KUALA LUMPUR: KL's combination of youth and experience could serve them well in the TNB- Women's Tun Razak Cup hockey tournament, which starts on Saturday.
Team manager Noor Saliza Soobni said the squad are led by some members of the national team including Norazlin Sumantri and the cream of the lot from the 2018 Malaysia Games training squad.
“I believe we have a balanced side. The seniors are around to guide the juniors who are mostly from the KL Sports School," said Noor Saliza.
"We are not looking at the potential of other teams but rather I want the players to go out and enjoy themselves.
“We are aware of Pahang's strength who have secured the services of seven current national players and one ex-international.
"They look great on paper with such a line-up but the important thing for KL is to play to their own ability.
“They should not be intimidated. When you play to your ability there is always a great chance of getting a positive result. "It’s a learning process for our young players."
KL are in Group A with defending champions Pahang, Perak, Terengganu and Indonesia.
They open against Perak on Saturday, followed by matches against Indonesia (Nov 19), Pahang (Nov 21) and Terengganu (Nov 23).
The semi-finals will be held on Nov 24 and final on Nov 26.
Saliza added that KL's preparation for the tournament has been hindered by the on-going Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations as several players are unable to join the team in training on most days.
"But when there are no exams, the players are on the field.
"I hope we can make a winning start against Perak – a result that would motivate us in the next matches,” she added
KL finished fourth last year after going down 4-2 against Selangor in a play-off match.