Mohd Shahril Saabah (on the floor) vying for the ball with India
JOHOR BARU: Mohd Shahril Saabah did not jump for joy despite winning the top scorer award in the Sultan of Johor Cup, which ended in Johor Baru on Sunday.
The Kuala Lumpur-born forward, playing in the tournament for the first time, scored eight penalty corner goals in five matches.
He guided Malaysia to four wins – scoring two goals each against Argentina (4-2), England (3-1) and India (3-3). He was on target once against S. Korea (5-1) and Pakistan (4-2).
Shahril, however, fired blanks against India in the final on Sunday. Malaysia lost 3-0.
The 19-year-old Shahril was disappointed he failed to deliver when it mattered most.
“I scored two penalty corner goals against India in the last round-robin match on Saturday (The match ended in a 3-3 draw).
“I was looking forward to scoring again in the final to help Malaysia win the title. But I let my team-mates down as I failed to convert both the penalty corners,” said Shahril.
“More than 10,000 fans came to support us in the final, but I let them down.
“Although I won the top scorer award, I have yet to establish myself as a prolific drag flicker.
“I have to work harder in training to perfect my power and accuracy in my drag flicks for the Junior World Cup (in New Delhi in December),” said Shahril.
With his sterling performance in the Sultan of Johor Cup, Shahril is expected to be a key player for Malaysia in the Junior World Cup. It was in contrast to his fortunes in the Under-18 Junior Asia Cup in Singapore in 2011. Then, he fired blanks and was sidelined by National Juniors coach K. Dharmaraj.
Dharmaraj then decided to Shahril a chance in Johor Baru and he never let the coach down.
Shahril has vowed to help Malaysia finish in the top five in the Junior World Cup.
“It’s going to be a challenge. And I hope I can deliver the goals to help achieve our target,” said Shahril.
For the Junior World Cup, Malaysia are in Group D with Pakistan, England and South Africa.
Defending champions Germany are in Group A with South Korea, Belgium and Egypt while Group B comprises Australia, Spain, Argentina and France. Holland, New Zealand, Canada and hosts India are in Group C.
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