Skipper glad seniors backed him before Junior Asia Cup

More confident: Mohd Faris Harizan (left) has learned to be a better captain after his experience at the SEA Games. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

THERE were four senior players in the Speedy Tigers side for the SEA Games but coach Amin Rahim gave the captain’s armband to young Faris Harizan, who excelled in his role as the team swept all before them to take the gold.

After passing the test with flying colours in Cambodia, the 21-year-old is now ready for another big role – as skipper of the national juniors to the men’s Junior Asia Cup in Salalah, Oman from Tuesday.

“I had expected one of the seniors to be named as skipper but I was retained by coach (Amin) and all the senior players gave their full support. It really helped me fulfil my responsibilities,” said Faris.

He said the four seniors – Zaimi Mat Deris (goalkeeper), Amirul Hamizan Azahar (defender), Najib Hassan (midfielder) and Ramadan Rosli (striker) – had encouraged him to guide the team without any restrictions.

“They gave me encouragement and they told me not to be too worried about carrying out my duties. Everyone was equal in the team and had their own roles to play.

“I think I have learned to be a better captain due to my experience at the SEA Games and I believe it will help me do my job with more assurance in Oman,” he said.

At the Junior Asia Cup, Malaysia are drawn in Group B with South Korea, Oman, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, with the top two qualifying for the semi-finals.

The tournament is also the qualifier for the men’s Junior World Cup in December.

The top three teams in Oman will make the cut.

Malaysia have already booked their ticket as hosts and can play without any pressure, but coach Amin still expects them to excel.

The experience of playing in the SEA Games will be helpful, said Amin.

“The 14 who played at the SEA Games should take advantage of their experience and perform well at the Junior Asia Cup,” said Amin.

“We have included six more players who have been training at home and they have their own strengths.

“A good performance at the Junior Asia Cup is important as it is one of our main preparations for the Junior World Cup.”

Although the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have not set a specific target, Amin wants the team to feature in the semi-finals in Oman.

At the SEA Games, the Faris-led squad beat Singapore 3-0 to maintain Malaysia’s dominance in the men’s field hockey.

That golden movement should spur the team on in Oman.

The 20-man National Junior squad left for Salalah yesterday.