PETALING JAYA: Striker Shahril Saabah (pic) is hoping for a strong finish to lead Tenaga Nasional to their first Malaysian Hockey League title after 20 years.
Shahril knows that all they need to do is to win the next two games against TNB-Thunderbolts and Terengganu and he strongly believes that it’s doable.
They will face TNB-Thunderbolts at the Batu Burok Stadium in Kuala Terengganu today but many predict it will be an easy win for Tenaga but the game that could provide the fireworks will be the one against table-toppers Terengganu at the same venue on Saturday.
Beating them could see Tenaga going top based on the goal difference and eventually win the league title.
Tenaga have won the MHL title five times (1990, 1991-1992, 2000-2001, 2002 and 2003) and the last time they won it, they also lifted the TNB Cup.
The experienced Shahril has promised to go all the way.
“The wait has been too long,” admitted Shahril.
“We believe that our form since the Charity Shield defeat to Terengganu (they lost 3-4) has improved game by game, and we also have this never-say-die attitude, which we showed against Maybank when we beat them 3-2 (Feb 25).
“But this must continue in the last two matches of the league.
“First, we will get past the Thunderbolts hurdle and then give our all against Terengganu. We know what is at stake, and the club are depending on us to end the barren run of 20 years.”
Shahril is also proud that his team have stood tall despite injuries to key players Syafiq Nursyafiq Sumantri, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi and Syed Syafiq Syed Mohd Cholan.
“Tenaga have been playing well despite injuries to some of our main players. You can see the number of goals we have scored (70 goals in 12 matches),” he said.
“It is the crucial period, and the boys are focused on accomplishing this goal.’’
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