KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) newcomers Matador have set themselves a lofty top-four target as they gear up for their opening match against Nurinsafi Sporting at the Bertam Hockey Stadium in Penang on Wednesday (Jan 15).
Although boasting a line-up that includes seven Pakistan national players and one Indian import, Matador head coach K. Yogeswaran, however, was also quick to play down expectations, citing the team’s short preparation time and the formidable challenge posed by MHL heavyweights Terengganu Hockey Team (THT), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Maybank.
Yogeswaran, who previously steered Perak to Tun Abdul Razak Cup glory in 2013 and 2014, said fans can expect a fast and versatile brand of hockey from his young squad, with most players, including six imports, aged under 21.
"Our preparation time has been very short as six import players only arrived yesterday. Two more (Pakistan’s Abdul Manan and India's Ankush) will join us tomorrow. We will take it one game at a time and I don’t want to underestimate the strength of the other MHL teams.
"However, the Pakistani players are very capable and can add something new to our national league. If our local players learn from them and everyone gives his best, we can achieve our top-four target... or even emerge as champions,” he told reporters after the team’s official apparel launch here today.
The six Pakistani internationals who arrived yesterday were senior team skipper Ahmad Shakeel Butt, penalty corner specialist Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Rana Muhammad Waleed Ashraf, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana and Usama Bashir.
Former internationals Jiwa Mohan and Baljit Singh Charun, along with current national goalkeeper Andrian Andy Albert are expected to play mentoring roles, while 15-year-old Arvind Zachary Steven is the team’s youngest player.
Abdul Hannan, the best player at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup, said it was a dream come true to play in the MHL, having known about it via social media since he was seven.
"I saw that the Malaysian League was at a top level with great players competing here. Since then, I've always wanted to play in this league. I hope all the Pakistani players can gel well with our teammates and produce stunning results.
"It’s a great opportunity for us. We’re here to give our very best and, with the addition of other import players and even the Australian team (Territory Stingers), the league will be exciting. I also hope the younger players in our team can learn a few things from us,” added the 19-year-old.
Team manager Sarwan Singh said Matador’s entry into the MHL is not a one-season venture but part of a long-term vision to develop and provide opportunities for young players to compete in the national league and eventually break into the national team.
Founded in 2013, Matador has been active at the grassroots level and previously competed in the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) league, before deciding to step up to the 2025 MHL with a budget of RM600,000 to RM700,000. - Bernama
