PETALING JAYA: Terengganu’s hopes of retaining their Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) crown are becoming increasingly difficult after a slow start to the season.
Last year’s treble winners Terengganu have only recorded a single win after four matches in the league so far, collecting five points as they sit in third place.
Their recent match at the Batu Buruk Stadium on Sunday against youngsters Thunderbolts ended in heartbreak as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw, further slowing down their efforts to gain momentum.
Maybank currently occupy the top spot in the standings with 10 points, while Thunderstars are second with nine points.
Terengganu lost 4-5 to Thunderstars in the Charity Shield and drew 1-1 against Maybank earlier this month.
Head coach Mohd Harfizi Baharom admitted that their recent results have made defending their league title a tough task, but remains optimistic.
“It’s looking difficult for us to defend our league title based on how things are currently going and taking into account that we only have five points so far,” said Harfizi.
“But that shows the competition in the league this season. We are going up against teams that have big aspirations.
“However, there are still opportunities for us to come back. I hope the players can find improvements and deliver strong results from here on.”
Terengganu will be aiming to get themselves back to their winning ways when they take on Australia’s Territory Stingers at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday, before facing China’s Liaoning on Tuesday.
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