KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers have received bad news ahead of next month’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, with first-choice goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman ruled out of the competition.
Hafizuddin is recovering from a dislocated right shoulder, an injury he sustained during a friendly match in Poland in May.
Malaysia will now rely on second-choice keeper Zaimi Mat Deris for the tournament in Inner Mongolia, China, from Sept 8-17. Zaimi was also the main man between the posts in Hafizuddin’s absence during the Nations Cup in June, where Malaysia finished seventh out of nine teams.
Coach Sarjit Singh has recalled Sabah-born goalkeeper Adrian Andy Albert, who recently quit the national team, as third-choice keeper Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saufi is also injured.
Hafizuddin, 32, has been undergoing rehabilitation and is still a long way from returning to action.
“If all goes well, I will only report to the national team after the Asian Champions Trophy,” said Hafizuddin.
“I feel sad as I was part of the team when we finished runners-up to India in last year’s edition in Chennai. Zaimi and Adrian will feature in the Asian Champions Trophy, and I wish them all the best,” added Hafizuddin, who has 112 caps.
World No. 13 Malaysia will face Paris Olympic bronze medallists India, world No. 14 South Korea, Japan (No. 15), Pakistan (No. 16), and China (No. 24) in the Asian Champions Trophy.
-NewStraitsTime