KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) will be aiming to regain the Division One lead in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League when the play Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Juniors at the KL Hockey Stadium here today.
Three teams – BPSS-Thunderbolt, UniKL and defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) – are tied at top spot with 12 points after four matches.
BPSS Thunderbolt are ahead on goal difference, followed by UniKL and BJSSS.
In the fray: BJSS’ Thung Wei Chia will be in the line-up for the crucial match against UniKL today. UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran said yesterday that the league had become more interesting since the title race turned into a three-cornered fight.
“Of course the pressure will be on us to regain the lead. So I will tell my players to get me the three points. It is better to be in the lead than in the chasing pack,” he said.
“We will make sure that we are ready for BJSS Juniors because we expect a tough time.”
Vickneswaren expects BJSS Juniors to have a go at his team in a bid to do their seniors a favour.
“Even a draw will affect our title chances. If any of the leading teams were to drop points at this stage, it will be like a defeat,” he said.
“We have scored a lot of goals but I do not want the players to be pressured into going for big wins. Even a 1-0 win is enough. If the goals start flowing, it will be bonus.”
UniKL have one injury worry in midfielder N. Ugenthiren, who had to undergo a nose operation and will not be fielded today.
He suffered the injury during the Razak Cup tournament and underwent surgery a few days ago.
“We have capable replacement for him. We want him to fully recover before playing again,” said Vickneswaren.
In the other Division One matches, Anderson and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be looking for wins to keep their hopes of a top-five finish in the preliminary round.
Anderson have been winlesss in their last three matches and will be hoping to get back on the right track against lowly MSS Kelantan in Kuala Terengganu.
MBPJ, who will play BPSS Juniors, recorded their first win on Friday – defeating BJSS Juniors 4-0 – after losing their opening three matches.
They have moved up to sixth place and a win over BPSS Juniors will take them into fifth position.
