SOJC: Young Tigers gunning for opening-day win against Kiwis
ISKANDAR PUTERI - The national junior hockey team are hoping to get off to a winning start in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) 2023 when they take on New Zealand at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here tomorrow.
Team manager I. Vikneswaran said the Young Tigers are ready for the challenges ahead and have made some last-minute preparations by holding a friendly against Great Britain yesterday.
"It's crucial to start the tournament off with a win tomorrow... so, the players need to be focused.
"They must also be prepared to give their everything. However, we do not want to put any pressure on them and just want them to give their best,” he told a media conference here today.
He also said that the injuries suffered by Muhammad Danish Danial and Muhammad Alief Adha would not derail their quest for a winning start.
"We will see how bad their injuries are before we decide whether to rest the duo or not,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand team manager Gandha Sunjay said his team are bent on doing whatever it takes to win their opening match against the Young Tigers.
He also pointed out that his men are in good shape and with no injury problems.
The Under-21 tournament will also feature Great Britain, India, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.
In other matches tomorrow, Great Britain will take on Australia while India will face Pakistan. - BERNAMA
