Maybank banking on big names to make it year of the Tigers in MHL

Mohammad Razie Rahim. -The Star filepic

PETALING JAYA: Maybank aim to cash in on big names to draw success in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) this season.

The Tigers have signed national player Ashran Hamsani and national junior star Muhajir Abdu Rauf to bolster their challenge to win at least a trophy in the league starting on Feb 18.

Their penalty corner department could be further boosted if the club can wrap up their negotiations with national player Razie Rahim.

Buoyed by the new players, coach Azrul Effendy Bistamam is confident that they can aim for a top-two finish at least.

“The squad that we have right now have played for three seasons together. We are just adding players to strengthen the team further, with the hope that they can make a difference on the pitch,” said Azrul.

“We are hopeful of winning at least a trophy, either the league or TNB Cup. I strongly believe that it can be achieved.

“Do I see this as pressure? A little bit, yes, but I love challenges and we have gathered a good team.

“We have been training for a month, and everyone is aligned with our goals. As for Razie, he has trained with us, but we can only confirm in a day or two if he is joining us.”

Last year, Maybank finished third in the league and qualified for the semi-finals of the TNB Cup.

Some of the key players in their team are national strikers Haziq Shamsul, Meor Azuan Hassan; national junior goalkeeper Mohd Aidil Mohd Shah; defenders Adam Aiman Mamat, Asyraf Ishak, Najmi Farizal Jazlan; and midfielders Rico Alfarico Lance Liau, Syafiq Hassan, Hafizi Zainuddin.

They also have former international players like strikers Amirullah Zainol, Hafifihafiz Hanafi and goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris.