Fans can expect an epic battle when Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolt and Kuala Lumpur Wipers meet in the final of the Malaysian Junior Women’s Hockey League at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Both SSTMI Thunderbolt and KL Wipers were unbeaten throughout the group stages and recorded convincing aggregate wins in their respective semi-finals ties. SSTMI reached the final by despatching Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah 7-0 over two legs in the semi-finals while KL Wipers beat MSN Kedah/MSS Kedah 9-4 on aggregate.
“We have worked hard to reach our target which is to get into the final and now we want to go all the way and win it,” said SSTMI’s coach, Azlizam Abdul Shukor. “KL Wipers is a very attacking side and we hope to beat them with a more balanced approach.”
KL Wipers’ coach, Kannagi Arumugan, feels that SSTMI will be feeling the pressure as most of their players are from the National Junior Development squad.
“We are thankful and very excited to have made it to the final and we hope to put up a good performance for our fans” said Kannagi, adding that with no injuries or suspensions, both coaches will have their full squads at full disposal for the final.
Meanwhile, Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah will face MSN Kedah/MSS Kedah in the playoff for third-fourth placing.
The champion of this inaugural Junior Women’s League will take home RM15, 000 while the runner-up receives RM10, 000. The third and fourth placed teams will receive RM7, 500 and RM5, 000 respectively.
FIXTURES – Sunday (April 10) – 3rd-4th Placing: Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah v MSN Kedah/MSS Kedah (5.00pm); Final: SSTMI Thunderbolt v Kuala Lumpur Wipers (7.00pm).
