Hockey fans back?

pic taken from www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

One thing that surprised many at the Sultan of Johor Cup was the attendance. (pic above taken during Malaysia's 5-1 win over India on Friday)

It filled the stadium on several occasions and put the Malaysia Hockey League season total attendance to shame.

The Project 2013 boys kept to their side of the bargain, providing entertaining display and a fighting spirit to the delight of the fans...

There's more on this here and also what captain Faeez had to say of the fans.

A fairytale ending

pic taken from www.sultanofjohor.com.my

Oh wait before I get to the hockey, just observe the picture.. why oh why are the officials hogging the limelight with players taking a back stage? 

That's something for your thoughts. 

No one really gave this Malaysia side a chance - not me either. Missing arguably two of their best players, Faisal Saari and Firhan Ashaari, the project 2013 boys had got off on the wrong footing - an opening loss to Australia and a disappointing draw to New Zealand.

Kudos to the boys for a complete turnaround that ended on a success note last night. Led by skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim, the boys fought for each other to win the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup.

They were within the brink of losing but for Faeez's penalty corner in the 69th minute to push the match into extra time. It was Faeez again who started the celebrations going.

The project 2013 boys are being molded for the next year's Junior World Cup qualifiers. They are surely on the right track.

Read the full match report here

Ramadan's dream

                          *pic taken from The Malay Mail

Project 2013 forward Ramadan Rosli wants to play Australia again - he hopes the national under-21 team will not slip against India today.

Australia are already in the final and await the identity of the opponents. It could be Malaysia, Korea or India - all three teams the Aussies have already beaten.

Read what Ramadan had to say here

Ramadan plies his trade at university side UniKL, despite being courted by big guns KL Hockey Club, Sapura and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Read on it here

Captain's calling

Pic taken from The Malay Mail. Pixmen - Razak Ghazali

Project 2013 skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim called for a response from his team after just one point from two games in the on-going Sultan of Johor Cup.

Fittingly, doing what a captain should do, he inspired his teammates to wins over much fancied Korea and Pakistan - initiating proceedings in both the matches.

Read on Faeez's heroics here.

Now Malaysia has a chance to qualify for the final - beat India and we are in. Australia have already qualified after winning all four of matches thus far.

Will Faeez step up again? - Watch India v Malaysia @8.05pm tomorrow (Oct 11)

No white flag from Project 2013, yet

Skipper Noor Faeez Ibrahim believes that Malaysia can still end the Sultan of Johor Cup with a top two finish - but they have to work their socks off!

                       *pic courtesy of www.sultanjohorcup.com.my

Being denied the services of Faisal Saari and Firhan Ashaari, has only made it harder... but Faeez doesn't want to waste time crying over spilled milk

                                           *pic by Razak Ghazali, courtesy of The Malay Mail

Read what Faeez had to say here  - on today's match against leaders Korea (6.05pm)

Faeez plies his trade with university side UniKL - a side he believes can move forward as said in here