Star : KLHC coach hopes Cup win will spur his side to Charity Shield
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) have their feet firmly on the ground despite winning their first trophy – the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup.
KLHC, also the defending league champions, are well aware of the challenges and pitfalls that await them in the opening match against Terengganu in the Charity Shield match in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.
KLHC coach Lim Chiow Chuan is hoping the penalty shootout win over Terengganu in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup final last Sunday will spur his players to another superb win in the lion’s den at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium.
“The fighting spirit, resilience and composure to stick to the game plan were instrumental in our comeback win over Terengganu in the final.
KLHC were 2-0 down in the first quarter before ending the match 3-3 in regulation time and prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
“The players are interacting well, on and off the pitch. After three matches, they’re beginning to understand each other better,” said Chiow Chuan.
KLHC, powered by six foreign players and seven national players, will be the team to beat this season.
Chiow Chuan added that they needed to minimise defensive errors and not give soft penalty corners away.
Terengganu will rely on the world’s top penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat of Argentina to deliver the goals in the Premier Division.
Peillat is in top form as he has scored six goals in three matches in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup.
Chiow Chuan is also aware it will be tough to stay consistent as teams will be playing a league match every three days.
“Playing 16-17 matches in five weeks is going to be tough for the players,” added the former national assistant coach.
“A longer league will ensure sufficient recovery for the players leading to better performances.
“The effects will be seen in the fourth and final week,” said Chiow Chuan.
KLHC, also the defending league champions, are well aware of the challenges and pitfalls that await them in the opening match against Terengganu in the Charity Shield match in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.
KLHC coach Lim Chiow Chuan is hoping the penalty shootout win over Terengganu in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup final last Sunday will spur his players to another superb win in the lion’s den at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium.
“The fighting spirit, resilience and composure to stick to the game plan were instrumental in our comeback win over Terengganu in the final.
KLHC were 2-0 down in the first quarter before ending the match 3-3 in regulation time and prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
“The players are interacting well, on and off the pitch. After three matches, they’re beginning to understand each other better,” said Chiow Chuan.
KLHC, powered by six foreign players and seven national players, will be the team to beat this season.
Chiow Chuan added that they needed to minimise defensive errors and not give soft penalty corners away.
Terengganu will rely on the world’s top penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat of Argentina to deliver the goals in the Premier Division.
Peillat is in top form as he has scored six goals in three matches in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup.
Chiow Chuan is also aware it will be tough to stay consistent as teams will be playing a league match every three days.
“Playing 16-17 matches in five weeks is going to be tough for the players,” added the former national assistant coach.
“A longer league will ensure sufficient recovery for the players leading to better performances.
“The effects will be seen in the fourth and final week,” said Chiow Chuan.
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