Carolan keeps Speedy Tigers on the grind

PETALING JAYA: National hockey coach Brendon Carolan is looking to maximise preparation time by squeezing in training sessions during the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) season, which begins today.

The Malaysia men’s national field hockey team face a demanding stretch ahead, starting with the Nations Cup in South Africa from June 11-20, followed by the World Cup in Holland from Aug 14-30, and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from Sept 19-Oct 4.

With the first phase of the MHL running until May 17, players will have to juggle club commitments with national duties.

As league matches are held on weekends, the Speedy Tigers will train from Monday to Wednesday before returning to their respective teams.

“We’re trying to focus on the areas we need to improve. And we review video footage while I keep in contact with the players during their club programmes,” said Carolan at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

“When the league is going on, the players know that we’re watching all of them, and every player is available for selection.”

The schedule remains intense between tournaments as well.

After the Nations Cup, the team will stay on in South Africa for training and play Test matches for a month before returning in July, ahead of the World Cup in August.

To keep the squad in peak condition, they have enlisted a conditioning coach from the National Sports Institute.

“It would normally take longer than three or four months to build a proper strength programme, but this will help ensure the players stay fit and avoid injuries,” he added.

With 26 national players in the list currently, Carolan said there would be changes after the league ends next month.

“I want to look at everyone and give an opportunity to those who I think are good enough. We can’t be restricting.

“The only way to compare how good players are is to bring them into the squad and let them play with the current group,” he said.