Baljit annoyed with coaches for leaving him out

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national junior Baljit Singh is a frustrated player in the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) team. 

The 19-year-old Baljit is the key defender in the team and scored a goal against Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) of Pahang in their opening Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) match, which ended in a 1-1 last Friday. 

However, Baljit, who is also the main penalty corner taker, was sidelined in the second match against Ernst and Young on Sunday. 

Without Baljit, BJSS were outplayed and beaten 0-5 by the overall runners-up in the MHL last year. 

Baljit, who was the top scorer in the Malaysia Junior Hockey League (MJHL) this season with 23 goals, was annoyed with the coaches for not fielding him in the match against Ernst and Young. 

“I played well in the opening match against SAS and gave my team the lead off the penalty corner. I was surprised that I was not given the chance to play the second match,'' said Baljit. 

“I am really disappointed with coaches for leaving me out. I don't know why they decided against fielding me. Against Ernst and Young, the defence was in a mess and the team lost badly.” 

The Johor-born player, who was a member of the national team to the Junior World Cup in Rotterdam last year, was called up to join the senior national training for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament last month. 

But Baljit opted out because he wanted to concentrate in his studies. 

“I also chose not to join the senior training because I want to concentrate on the matriculation course, which was offered to me this year.'' 

BJSS won the MJHL league title this year. They are making their debut in the MHL this year with the objective to gain exposure and to prepare the team for next year's MJHL.  

BJSS have one point from the two matches and they are in sixth place. They will play two matches this weekend against former champions Maybank tomorrow and newcomers Rangers of Ipoh on Sunday.  

Baljit said that Maybank had a good forward-line and they definitely need to strengthen the defence. 

“I hope the coaches will give me a chance to play the match,'' he said.