KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional look all set to end their 21-year title drought in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) today.
Tenaga, powered by 10 national players, should easily beat newcomers JW Antsbees in their last match at the National Hockey Stadium to clinch the league title, which they last won in 2003.
Tenaga, who won the Charity Shield on Feb 7, are tied with Maybank and double champions Terengganu with 23 points each from nine matches.
But Tenaga top the 11-team league with a vastly superior goal difference as they had scored 70 goals and conceded nine compared to second-placed Maybank who scored 48 and conceded six. Terengganu had netted 39 goals and conceded 14.
Maybank's last match is against Terengganu today at Bukit Jalil.
Terengganu need to score more than 20 goals against Maybank to have a chance of retaining the title.
But it will be impossible as the Tigers have a formidable squad, and they, too, aim to beat the East Coast team to finish second in the league.
Tenaga's Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal and Nurinsafi Sporting's Nur Rahul Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi are the joint leading scorers in the MHL with 17 goals each.
South Korean penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun, who plays for Tenaga, is the second highest scorer with 15 goals.
Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said they are looking forward to ending their league title drought after 21 years.
"My players need to continue their performance in the MHL as it will be used to select players for the national team."
Tenaga, who won the TNB (overall) Cup in 2022, are hoping to win the treble this season.
TOMORROW
UITM v Liaoning Team (4pm), Young Elephants of Pahang v KL City (4pm), Tenaga Nasional v JW Antsbees (6pm), Maybank v Terennganu (6pm).
All matches at the National Hockey Stadium
