SOJC: Young Tigers Coach Issues Rallying Cry Ahead Of Japan Clash

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Five defeats out of five. Yet, National Juniors head coach I. Vikneswaran is still in an upbeat mood as he called on his charges to break the duck when they take on Japan in the fifth-sixth placing playoff in the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) at the Johor Hockey Stadium today.

He said the Young Tigers need to show their true colours and not finish last in the tournament.

"We must rise to the challenge although the players will have to wake up early to go to the stadium after losing to Australia tonight (last night).

"The players must take this match (against Japan) seriously and fight to the finish,” he told a post-match media conference after his team suffered a 9-3 trouncing by Australia last night.

He also reminded his players to cut down on their mistakes and not to waste the penalty corners earned.

"We had eight penalty corners against Australia and only managed to convert two… we need to do better.

"The players have worked hard and done their best, but that's not enough. They must also learn not to repeat their mistakes,” he said.

Vikneswaran also played down their five defeats to the fact that this is the first time his players are featuring in an international tournament.

The Young Tigers, who finished bottom in the six-team standings, are scheduled to meet Japan at 3.35 pm today in the fifth-sixth placing playoff, followed by the third-placing match between India and New Zealand and the final between Australia and Great Britain. 

Last year, Malaysia avoided finishing last when they edged South Africa 3-2 in the seventh-eighth placing playoff.

-- BERNAMA