KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to produce quality players, University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Italy’s Pistoia Hockey Club (PHC) will work together to raise their profiles in hockey for the fourth straight year.
The two clubs cemented the collaboration in a ceremony in KL on Wednesday.
They will work together in recruitment, development, coaching and player-exchange initiatives.
UniKL president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mazliham Su'ud said: “Pistoia have agreed to use the UniKL logo on their jerseys and we will also help each other on many aspects to promote the sport in both countries," said Mazliham.
UniKL, the only hockey club in the country with their own stadium, plan to do well in the 2019 season.
"Since the club’s formation in 2009, we have won many junior titles as well as produced players for the national senior and junior teams.
“We hope to organise leagues for clubs, schools, universities and communities in Bangi, Nilai Serdang, Seri Kembangan, Kajang and Putrajaya," said Mazliham.
Pistoia technical director Train Filippo along with players Giordano Daniele and Masi Alessio are in Malaysia as part of the collaboration.
The club play in the second-tier competition in Italy.