TNB Must Be At Their Best To Overcome THT In Final – Coach

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- TNB head coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin has called on his players to deliver an "extraordinary" performance as they aim to retain their TNB Cup title in the final against Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) tomorrow.

Nor Saiful acknowledged that THT, under the guidance of Mohd Hafizi Baharom, are in top form, making it crucial for the defending champions to approach the highly anticipated match with full focus.

“The players need to show excellent teamwork, stick to the game plan and go beyond their usual limits. In a regular match, they might not take risks like carrying the ball from the back, but in a final, if an extra effort is needed, they must step up because the pressure is different.

“Building confidence among teammates is key, as it can help ease some of the pressure,” he told a pre-final press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today. 

Yesterday, TNB secured their place in the final after a 7-4 victory over Maybank at National Hockey Stadium 2, Bukit Jalil, while THT booked their spot by edging Matador 1-0.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hafizi said his team would be banking on prolific forward Faizal Saari in their bid to complete a treble-winning season in tomorrow’s final.

"Statistically, Faizal is having his best season. He has been the top scorer in most of THT’s matches, and we expect something special from him.

"We need to minimise threats from the opponents, but his skills will be crucial for us in the final," he said.

Faizal was THT’s hero in the semi-final, scoring the decisive goal to secure their place in the final.

Tomorrow’s match marks the fourth consecutive TNB Cup final showdown between TNB and THT.

TNB claimed the title in 2022 and 2024, while THT emerged champions in 2021 and 2023.

-- BERNAMA