KUALA LUMPUR: Nine teams will compete for honours in the Women’s Razak Cup, which starts on Saturday, at KLHA Stadium in Pantai.
The teams are defending champions Pahang, Indonesia, Armed Forces, KL, Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Selangor and Melaka.
Police, Sarawak, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Sabah and Negri Sembilan are absent as they do not have enough players to field a team due to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.
“ It all boils down to proper planning and having a league within their states to find players with talent that could make up a team to participate,” said KL Hockey Association vice-president K. Maheswari.
“ We are grateful to the teams that agreed to participate. Those who opted out have deprive their players an opportunity to excel in this top quality competition.”
Maheswari said that due to the unpredictable weather conditions, all matches have been moved forward by an hour.
“This is to make sure that we have enough time to complete the matches should rain affect play,” she added.
The champions will receive RM5,000 with the runners-up taking home RM3,000.
Pahang start as the favourites in the tournament.
The east coast side have the services of national players — Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani, midfielder Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti, drag-flick specialist Nuraini Rashid, Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamed, S. Priyangga, Siti Zaidah and Fatin Naimah along with ex-international Nadia Abdul Rahman.
But Terengganu, who have the wily Harun Al Rashid as coach, could spring a surprise although they have opted for a team that comprise largely of players who will represent them in the Malaysia Games next year.
Johor could surprise as they aim to make the semi-finals after finishing eighth last year.
They have national assistant coach Lailin Abu Hassan as coach and have players with experience in Norafiza Sulaiman, Marlia Mohamed, Noor Hayati Sirkam, Nurul Nadia Aziz and Fatin Nabilah Husna Mansor.
And with the inclusion of national keeper Farah Ayuni Yahya, Johor are the team to watch.
For KL, they will rely on Norazlin Sumantri , who on her day can win a match single handedly, to make the semi-finals
Others that could make an impression are Armed Forces and Melaka.
Groupings
Group A — Pahang, KL, Perak, Terengganu, Indonesia
Group B — Armed Forces, Selangor, Melaka, Johor
Fixtures
Saturday
Group A — Pahang v Terengganu (3pm), KL v Perak (7pm)
Group B — Armed Forces v Johor (5pm)
• All matches at KLHA Stadium.