FAIZAL DROPPED

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation in a bold move has decided to drop Faizal Saari from the national squad.

The decision was taken after the once feared striker failed to report for training after getting married in mid October.

The Terengganu HT player had reported to camp when the national team was named after the Malaysian Hockey League in September.

Also out of the initial 35 players named is Faez Ibrahim and Mohd Syamim , the former due to studies while the latter was not keen.

Kudos to MHC for making their first correct decision in dropping Faizal for not answering the call up.

And MHC should now include a clause barring players not keen in donning national colours from playing in domestic tournaments.

Faizal while a poster boy of Malaysian hockey, has given MHC a lot of unnecessary headaches in the past.

Though a talented player, his off the field antics has affected his performances and really this is the correct wake up call as the nation tries to regain its rightful place in world hockey.

Now the question that remains to be answered is will MHC bow to external pressure to take Faizal back or will they stick to their decision?

National coach Stephen van Huizen was tighlipped when asked about the status of Faizal, saying that this matter is best clarified by the MHC.

Given this bloggers relationship with the powers that be in MHC, all I can say is they deserve a pat on the back for a long overdue decision that those before them lacked the conviction to do.