PETALING JAYA: It took a little longer than expected but Terengganu finally got their first win in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL), much to the relief of head coach Harfizi Baharom.
The defending champions did it in style after thrashing Armed Forces 7-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
After losing the Charity Shield 4-5 to Thunderstars earlier this month, Terengganu drew their second match 1-1 against Maybank last Friday, but turned things around for themselves with a big win.
“Players were more fired up after we had let five points slip past us in the first two matches of the season,” said Harfizi.
“We have to stay consistent to finish strong this season. There is still a long way to go so we have to keep performing.”
Veteran striker Faizal Saari showed he is still a crucial member of the team after scoring four goals for Terengganu, with Adib Suffian Mat Ruslee, Arif Syafie Ishak, and Harris Iskandar Osman getting one goal each. Armed Forces got their consolation goal through Hilmi Midi.
It is a contrasting start to the season for Terengganu, who had a perfect season in the league last year when they went on to win the treble (Charity Shield, MHL, and TNB Cup).
“We didn’t make many changes to our playing style; instead, we sharpened our attacks in their box. We fixed what we needed to be fixed and will keep chasing improvements as the season progresses,” he added.
Terengganu’s next match is against Thunderbolts on Saturday.
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