A positional switch pays off for Faizal and national hockey team

PETALING JAYA: A switch in position is finally bearing fruit for hockey player Faizal Saari (pic).

The 30-year-old, who is now tasked as a workhorse in the midfield, scored a goal to help Malaysia beat Wales 4-3 at the Wales Hockey Centre yesterday.

“I have found my touch,” said Faizal, who is known for his potent finishing and predatory instinct in the D-Box.

“Getting a goal and also adapting to my new role are positives for me. I aim to only get better in the upcoming games.”

Wales took the lead through Joseph Naughalty in the fifth minute but veteran defender Razie Rahim equalised in the 14th minute, and 12 minutes later, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi gave Malaysia the lead.

In the second half, Gareth Furlong drew level in the 44th minute, but a minute later, Malaysia regained the lead through Faizal, and Shello Silverius cemented the win in the 54th minute.

Wales got their third goal of the match in the dying minutes of the second half through Naughalty.

“It’s good to get the win, but we will work on some of our weaknesses and be better,” added Faizal.

Although happy with the win, coach A. Arulselvaraj said they had to work on their on-field temperament.

“Our discipline was not at its best because we collected three green cards and one yellow. Wales used that advantage to score goals. We will analyse and show improvement in the next game,” he said.

“The last time we faced Wales, we beat them 2-1. In yesterday’s game, we were clinical with our chances, and that’s good. Also, our strength is our speed, and we will bring that confidence in the other games.”

Malaysia will face Wales again at the Reading Hockey Club on Oct 13.