Nor Saiful returns with six-month mission to shape JWC squad
KUALA LUMPUR: "Don't lose to teams ranked below us - that's the number one target."
That's the message from national junior hockey coach Nor Saiful Zaini, who has returned to helm the squad ahead of the Junior World Cup (JWC) in Chennai, India, on Nov 28-Dec 10.
Nor Saiful, officially reappointed on Tuesday on a three-year deal, faces the tough task of building a competitive team with just six months to go before the tournament.
He stressed the urgency of starting preparations immediately to ensure Malaysia - currently ranked 11th in the world junior rankings and fourth in Asia - do not lose to lower-ranked teams.
"In the Junior Asia Cup, we finished fourth, and there will be 24 teams at the World Cup. My top priority is simple - don't lose to teams ranked below us," he said.
"We want the players to perform well, regardless of their position. That's why preparation is critical.
"Our goal is to beat all teams ranked below us and challenge the stronger sides to pull off some wins.
"If we achieve that, the players will return better and more mature with a real shot at breaking into the senior national team," said Nor Saiful on Thursday.
Nor Saiful, who replaces I. Vikneswaran, had coached the junior side from 2016 to 2020 before stepping down to focus on grassroots development and leading the Tenaga Nasional team in the domestic league.
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