PETALING JAYA: Hockey and football have brought a great end to Malaysian sports in 2010. And both the national teams in these two sports are under the charge of local coaches.
Stephen van Huizen is the coach of the first Malaysian hockey to play in an Asian Games final in Guangzhou last November.
It was an achievement to treasure. Against all odds, Malaysia defeated India in the semi-finals. Defender Mohd Amin Rahim’s golden goal off the penalty corner gave Malaysia a 4-3 win. But Malaysia settled for the silver medal, losing 0-2 to Pakistan in the final.
On Wednesday, K. Rajagopal’s football team won the Asean Football Federation (AFF) tournament. It was the first time Malaysia won the biennial tournament since it was introduced in 1996. Football legend Datuk Soh Chin Aun, who was in Jakarta to see the team lift the AFF title, gave the thumbs up to the team.
“They played well,” said the “Towkay”, who not always have nice things to say of the national team. “They have to ride on this success because the ride gets tougher from now. I liked what I saw of these young national team.
“Mohd Safee Sali’s goal was brilliant. It was a lethal left-footed strike and it reminded me of the glory days (referring to the prowess of the late Mokhtar Dahari).”
He added that S. Kunalan also caught his eye with his daring and brave performances. He also praised goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
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