So before the #HockeyWorldCup2023 starts tomorrow, let me introduce the players that will carry our nation’s challenge in Odisha from Jan 13-29.
Captain and defender Marhan Jalil
Age: 32
Caps: 278
World Cup appearances: 2014 and 2018
Quiet off the pitch, but on it, 💪🏾
Razie Rahim
Age: 35
Caps: 306
World Cup appearances: 2014 and 2018
One of the best penalty corner specialists in the world. He is a defender but has scored 107 goals.
Faiz Helmi Jali
Age: 30
Caps: 191
World Cup appearances: 2014 and 2018
A pocket dynamite! From bottom to top, the midfielder will wear you down with his energy and work rate. Truly an underrated player for the squad for many years.
Shello Silverius
Age: 23
Caps: 20
World Cup appearances: Debut
From midfield, he has been moved up front. At the age of 23, Shello is maturing and is set to play the 'Darren Lok' role in the hockey team.
Faizal Saari
Age: 32
Caps: 266
World Cup appearances: 2014 and 2018
Mercurial, fast and loves goals. For years, he has been the star of the team and still is one of the leading men. Coach Arul has asked him to step up. This man could be the man for goals!
Shahril Saabah
Age: 28
Caps: 146
World Cup appearances: 2014
He has been on a comeback of sorts and is one of the several penalty corner drivers in the team. Up front, he is tasked to look for gaps and also create penalty corner opportunities.
Hafizuddin Othman
Age: 31
Caps: 85
World Cup appearances: Debut
It's not easy replacing the great S. Kumar, but Hafizuddin has been a reliable shot-stopper for Malaysia. On his day, he can be unstoppable, but he does blow hot and cold at times.
He vowed to give his best in 🇮🇳
Ramadan Rosli
Age: 31
Caps: 92
World Cup appearances: 2014 and 2018
A veteran and one with great Malaysian League calibre. What he does best is his ability to unsettle defenders with his pressing and coming up with passes and finishes in the attack.
Najmi Farizal Jazlan
Age: 27
Caps: 103
World Cup appearances: Debut
He finally makes his World Cup bow! A leader at the back and one who comes up with instructions and movements together with Marhan. He drifts into midfield to ensure the team has some tempo in games.
Firhan Ashaari
Age: 29
Caps: 186
World Cup appearances: 2018
From attack, he now plays in midfield. The role? Come up with passes and sudden runs into the D-Box. An extra outlet when Malaysia initiates quick attacks.
Adrian Andy Albert
Age: 25
Caps: 10
World Cup appearances: Debut
He is an understudy, and many believe he has what it takes to be a top, top goalie. He is known for his top shot-stopping and quietly does his job without complaining.
Amirul Hamizan Azahar
Age: 22
Caps: 11
World Cup appearances: Debut
His strength is the ability to run all the time. He believes that constant pressing would lead to opponents making mistakes. So he uses that as an advantage.
Najib Abu Hassan
Age: 27
Caps: 51
World Cup appearances: Debut
A workhorse in the middle of the park but has a knack for scoring field goals. His anticipation and reading of the game will be his strengths in the tournament.
Ashran Hamsani
Age: 27
Caps: 51
World Cup appearances: Debut
Versatility is his best trait. Whether in attack or midfield, he does the job well. In the Malaysian League, he was known for his goals, and in midfield, he comes up with decent through passes
Meor Azuan Hassan
Age: 28
Caps: 174
World Cup appearances: 2018
A goalscoring midfielder and will be used often during attacking transitions. A potent player for Maybank, and expect the same with the national team.
Zulpidaus Mizun
Age: 26
Caps: 26
World Cup appearances: Debut
A tireless player and an aggressive man marker. Kind of a late bloomer but has the ingredients to make life tough for any teams in the tournament.
Aminuddin Zain
Age: 27
Caps: 11
World Cup appearances: Debut
Just like Razie, a potent drag-flicker. Whether a set-piece play or a direct hit, he is capable of being the surprise card for Malaysia. Defensively, he uses his work rate to rattle attackers.
Norsyafiq Sumantri
Age: 26
Caps: 86
World Cup appearances: 2018
A reserved character off the field but on it, his dribbling makes the loudest noise in the stadium. Malaysia would surely use him as an outlet for creativity and movement.
So, that's your 18-man squad for the World Cup. The boys need our support and prayers. The game needs more push in terms of publicity and marketing.
It's the World Cup, but there isn't much fanfare in Malaysia! Let's liven it up wherever we are.
Back the #SpeedyTigers, folks!
You can watch the games on Astro and RTM.
I will be there from Jan 13 to 30, bringing you updates on the Malaysian team and the rest of the nations as well.
It's nice to write hockey again after a while 😊
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