PETALING JAYA: Terengganu are determined to get back on track to clinch the two remaining trophies after seeing their hopes of retaining the Malaysian hockey treble this season dashed.
Head coach Mohd Harfizi Baharom insists his side still have what it takes to defend their Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) and TNB Cup crowns despite the early setback.
Their treble defence took a hit after a narrow 4-5 defeat to Thunderstars – the rebranded Tenaga Nasional – in the Charity Shield at the Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium last Saturday.
Harfizi said although his side are outnumbered by Thunderstars when it comes to national players, their determination displayed was an encouraging sight.
“If you compare both teams on paper, we may not have the advantage. But what we showed on the pitch was very positive,” he said.
Still, the defeat exposed areas that need urgent attention – especially a costly late lapse that handed Thunderstars the win.
“We lost our defensive structure in the closing minutes, and that is something we must fix immediately,” said Harfizi.
“We also need to improve how we defend penalty corners in the coming matches.”
Thunderstars’ South Korean ace Jang Jong-hyun delivered via two penalty corner conversions en route to a hattrick in the Charity Shield.
Harfizi added that he was impressed by the performances of new signings such as Samkelo Mvimbi and Keenan Horne.
South African Mvimbi marked his debut with a goal, while compatriot Horne impressed with his creativity and assists.
“It was their first match and they made an impact. We expect them to get even better as the season progresses,” Harfizi added.
Another new face, India’s Dilraj Singh, is expected to join the team soon after recently winning the Calcutta Premier Hockey League in India with Mohun Bagan.
Terengganu now turn their focus to a crucial clash against Maybank on Friday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
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