IPOH – National hockey head coach Sarjit Singh believes that communication is the key for his young charges to excel in the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Sarjit’s revamped side scored a total of 10 goals and conceded seven goals in their two opening matches against Pakistan and Canada in the invitational tournament.
The 61-year-old coach, hired by the Malaysia Hockey Confederation on a two-year contract, said that the young player – making up the majority of his 18-player list for the tournament – should not be shy to interact with the coaches as they are committed to improving the squad’s game.
“I won’t say that the young players are not communicating at all. It’s just that they need to adapt to the team environment faster.
“For now, the players discuss based on their respective departments. For instance, Faizal Saari will have a separate discussion with the forwards, while Fitri Saari and Marhan Jalil do the same with the midfielders and defenders.
“After they discuss with their departments, that’s when we coaches step in to discuss gameplans with all players.
“For now, I have to admit that the youngsters are a bit too shy to interact with the coaches.
“But once they get it out of their system and start interacting, it will be better for our entire team as a whole as we are always ready to help,” said Sarjit during the post-match conference.
Previously, Scoop reported on team captain Marhan urging his young teammates against being shy in interacting with senior players who are always ready to help elevate their gameplay.
For the record, the Speedy Tigers made history when they ended a 39-year wait to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time after defeating South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 final.
Malaysia previously finished second five times in the 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013, and 2014 editions since the tournament was first held in 1983.
Malaysia will take on New Zealand in their third match tomorrow. – May 6, 2024