KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) which begins tomorrow at Taman Daya Stadium will serve as a tune-up for the Malaysian team competing in the Junior World Cup (JWC) in Bukit Jalil in December.
At the SoJC, Malaysia will know where they stand among teams like Germany, Australia, India, Britain, Pakistan, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said he wants the national juniors to learn from the SoJC for the JWC.
MHC has set a top four target for the national juniors in the 16- team JWC.
Malaysia played a friendly against Britain on Wednesday and the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Team consultant Stephen van Huizen said the juniors played well as they came back from 2-1 down to snatch a draw.
"The team gave a good performance, and 16-year-old Eswaran George played well in the friendly match against Britain."
Former champions Germany have a team full of senior-level players to put up a strong challenge.
Coach Rein van Ejik said that their team for the SoJC is almost the final squad for the JWC.
"Our goal is to acclimatise to Malaysia's weather and fine tune the team for the JWC.
"This tournament offers a chance to achieve our goals ahead of the more important event in December."
Australia, who are gunning for their third SoJC title, are drawn in the same group with Malaysia in the JWC.
Australia coach Jay Stacy said this year's SoJC tournament carries extra significance as it is part of their preparation for the JWC.
India, who won the Junior Asia Cup in Oman in January, look strong enough to defend the SoJC title.
They have skilful players who will pose a big threat to all the teams in Johor.
Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against New Zealand. The other teams in the group are India and Pakistan. Group A consists of Germany, Australia, South Africa and Britain.
TOMORROW: India v Pakistan (4pm), Australia v Britain (6pm), Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm).