BOJAN Hodak and Zainal Abdin Hassan, who are head coaches of Darul Ta’zim and Pahang respectively, hope their key players will not return injured for the Malaysia Cup after reporting for national duty tomorrow.
Darul Ta’zim have the biggest representation in Dollah Salleh’s 23-member squad of eight players followed by Pahang with four.
Those from Darul Ta’zim are Mahali Jasuli, Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Fadhli Shas, Amri Yahyah, Safiq Rahim, Asraruddin Putra Omar, Safee Sali and the under-performing Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
Pahang goalkeeper Khairul Azahan Khalid, Azamuddin Akil, Hafiz Kamal and R.Gobinathan will also report tomorrow.
The national team will travel to Dushanbe for a friendly against Tajikistan on August 6 before breaking camp four days later. The Malaysia Cup starts on Aug 13.
Pahang entertain Johor in Kuantan in a Group A match while Darul Ta’zim play former champions Kelantan in Johor Baru in a Group C match on the opening day.
Hodak, who led Darul Ta’zim to victory in the Super League recently, said players who return from national duty will need three or four days to recuperate and also adapt with their clubs.
“I am worried about injuries and fitness issues. I have no problems with those who will feature prominently with the national team but the others, who do not play, could have issues with fitness,” said Hodak yesterday.
“I have eight players in the national squad and this is a huge honour for Darul Ta’zim. It reflects my team’s quality but like I said, I am worried because I may have to adapt with injuries.”
However, Hodak, who had led his previous team, Kelantan, to four titles in 2012 and 2013, believes his fringe players will be up to the task if the regulars are injured.
“There will always be two or three fringe players making an impact in the Malaysia Cup. I have been working closely with my players and also strategising for the tournament,” said the 43-year-old coach.
Darul Ta’zim had two encouraging results in recent friendly matches, overcoming Johor (2-1) and Singapore’s Warriors (2-0). Their next friendly is against Premier League champions Police on Saturday and an unconfirmed match on Augist 6.
“I normally do not expect much from players during the fasting season but my team gave their 100 per cent during training. Everyone is motivated after winning the Super League,” said Bojan.
On the Malaysia Cup target, Bojan said: “The focus is to go beyond the group stage and perform accordingly after that. Like others, we also want to win the title.”
FA Cup winners Pahang are also hoping their four national team-bound players will return without injuries.
Zainal said: “They were instrumental in the Super League and FA Cup and I hope they will be fit for the Malaysia Cup.
“As a former international player, national duty comes first and I reminded them to give their best. However, if they get injured, I will need to make changes and this will affect the team,” Zainal told Astro Arena on Monday.
Pahang, the reigning Malaysia Cup winners, have set a target to retain the title.