THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has contacted four foreign coaches to handle the men's team, but none have replied.
It is reliably learnt that even Australian Neil Hawgood, who declined to extend his contract, which expires in December with the India women's team, has not replied to MHC.
India, who earlier lost men’s coach Australian Terry Walsh, are also in the hunt for a foreign coach.
“All I can say is that we have approached four foreign coaches, but none has replied to the MHC yet,” said an MHC official who declined to be named as there is an executive order from president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah not to speak on the issue of coaches.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division League title could be decided in Kuala Terengganu today.
Double champions KLHC will square off against Terengganu Hockey Team with the KL side needing only a draw to virtually seal the title. On Sunday, THT play their last match against Sapura while KLHC have UniKL as their final fixture.
THT coach Sarjit Singh is aware that his team must be at their very best against KLHC, despite their home advantage.
He is, however, buoyed by the fact that his side are heading into this cruncher at the back of a resounding 6-1 win over Maybank.
”Our big win against Maybank has given us the motivation we need for the crucial clash against KLHC. It will be a very tough game, but we know that we have to do whatever it takes to secure a victory,” said Sarjit.
There will be another riveting battle on the pitch today between THT’s Faizal Saari and KLHC’s Razie Rahim. Both have scored 10 goals each so far, making them strong contenders for the top-scorer award.
But instead of focusing on personal accolades, KLHC skipper Razie is more determined to ensure his team defend their title.
“I am not really focusing on the top-scorer award. I am more interested in playing as a team, and securing three points against THT. It will be a very difficult game but we will definitely try our best,“ he said.
KLHC edged THT 2-1 in the first round.
Today: UniKL v Maybank (6pm, Pitch 1); Sapura v TNB (8pm, Pitch 2); Terengganu Hockey Team v KLHC (5pm, Kuala Terengganu).
Sunday: KLHC v UniKL (6pm, Pitch I); Maybank v Tenaga (6pm, Pitch II); THT v Sapura (5pm, Kuala Terengganu).