KUALA LUMPUR – Veteran defender and penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim believes national head coach Sarjit Singh is on the right track to transform the Speedy Tigers into one of the world’s best teams.
The 37-year-old, who was Malaysia’s top penalty corner drag flicker with 143 goals in 321 matches, was axed by Sarjit when he took over as head coach in March this year.
Razie’s last game for the national side was at the Paris Olympic qualifiers in Muscat, Oman, in February, where he scored two goals under coach Arul Selvaraj.
Speaking to Scoop, Razie praised the Speedy Tigers, currently ranked 13th in the world, for their recent performances at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the ongoing Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland.
“For me, the team is doing well. It’s a very young team, and they are evolving with modern, fast-paced hockey gameplay. They are all talented and have the potential to go far,” said Razie.
Malaysia finished fourth at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, scoring 18 goals and conceding 13.
In their opening Nations Cup match on May 31, Sarjit’s revamped side squandered a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 against Pakistan. They will face France in their second Pool B match later today.
“The team needs time, and with the right amount of time given to coach Sarjit, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s able to lead the team to become one of the best in the world.
“My only advice for the boys is to keep learning and to adapt to international games and competitions as soon as possible.
“They should not be overly nervous when they hold their sticks on turf and should learn to overcome their fear. Once they can fix this, they will definitely go places,” said Razie when met at the 2024 TNB-QNET Selangor Hockey League final at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Razie has won ten accolades with the Speedy Tigers, including two Asian Games silver medals (2010 Guangzhou and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang) since making his debut at the 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. – June 2, 2024