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Drag flicker Amirul eager to make statement in SoJC

KUALA LUMPUR: Amirul Haniff Mamat, the top scorer in this year's Junior Hockey League (JHL), wants to tear apart Malaysia's opponents with his goals from penalty corners at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC), which starts on Saturday in Johor Baru.

The 19-year-old, who was part of the Malaysian team that finished eighth at last year's Junior World Cup (JWC) in India, scored 15 goals in the JHL for Bukit Jalil Sports School.

Amirul is the national junior team's main drag flicker and is almost unstoppable during penalty corner setpieces.

"I made my SoJC debut in 2019 and scored a goal. This time, I hope to do better and score at least three goals," said the forward, who netted eight goals for Perak in the Malaysia Games last month.

"I am more confident after the outing at the last JWC. We did well to finish eighth among 16 teams.

"My target is to break into the national senior team by 2024.

"National striker Faizal Saari is my idol, and I hope to emulate him one day.

"Faizal is skillful and gifted. He can score from open plays and penalty corners," said Amirul, who started playing hockey at age 9.

Defending champions Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea and India make up the other teams in the SoJC.

Malaysia will open their campaign against India on Saturday at the Taman Daya Stadium.

Amirul said: "The SoJC will help us assess our weaknesses ahead of next year's JWC in Bukit Jalil.

"I hope the fans will come and support us in Taman Daya.

"I think we have a fighting chance of finishing third in the tournament."

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