An inspiring performance against the world’s top-ranked teams in the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup will translate as a morale booster for coach Nor Saiful Zaini’s Young Tigers.
The SOJC will be the Malaysian juniors’ final road show on home soil before they take the next winding and treacherous journey at the FIH 2025 Men’s Junior World Cup in India in December.
This 13th edition of the competition promises high-stakes action, and Nor Saiful is looking at nothing less than a podium finish. In the 2024 edition, the Malaysians finished in sixth and last position under coach I. Vikneswaran.
“We have had five months of preparations that included tours of Australia, China, the MCC Murugappa Gold Cup All-India Invitational Hockey tournament in July and recent matches against Bangladesh at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil,” said Nor Saiful
“In the World Cup, we are drawn in a tough group against England, the Netherlands and Austria. Only the top 2 teams in each group qualify for the quarterfinals. So, we must give a decent and challenging performance in the SOJC against Great Britain, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and India.”
“Despite the strong opposition, I have faith in my players and have set a target for Malaysia to finish on the podium. I want my players to believe in themselves that they have all the ingredients and character in them to put on a good performance,” he added.
“Just how the four departments in the team – goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards blend in the matches will give us an indication of how well the players are mentally and physically ready,” said Saiful.
This, he stressed, will be the team’s litmus test, and they must weather the storm. The Young Tigers will experience the same kind of challenges in the World Cup.
He added that the SOJC will not only provide valuable exposure, but the intensity of these kinds of games will show if the players are ready for the next level – the 2025 Men’s Junior World Cup.
