KUALA LUMPUR – Former national striker Faizal Saari is ready to give his full commitment should he be called to join the national hockey squad.
Despite not playing for almost seven months, the 29-year-old player proved he still has the prowess in the game and is among the current best strikers after he scored 14 goals for Terengganu in the Tun Abdul Razak Cup competition so far.
His closest competitor for top scorer would be national defender Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim who netted six goals for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) squad.
However, the decision lies in the hands of ‘Speedy Tigers’ new coach, A. Arul Selvaraj whether to list the player who had appeared in the Indian and South Australian Leagues to the national training camp or not.
“Honestly, I really wanted to (join the national squad). If chosen, I will be delighted. If not, I have to find alternatives such as to go to Europe or work harder.
“If selected, I will give 100 per cent commitment this year. It is time to forget the past and move on,” said Faizal, whose last appearance in the Malaysian Hockey League was in February representing the Terengganu Hockey Team.
Faizal was met after assisting Terengganu to advance to the semi-finals of the Tun Abdul Razak Cup at the National Hockey Stadium, last night.
In the quarter-final match, he scored two goals to defeat Sabah 2-1, six goals against Kelantan, four against the Armed Forces and two against PDRM at the group level.
Faizal and his brother Fitri, former national squad captain Sukri Mutalib, Joel Van Huizen and Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor were among the top players dropped by ex-national coach Roelant Oltmans from the list of 34 players called to the training camp. – Bernama, September 23, 2020
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