KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank have not qualified for the TNB Cup final for the last 25 years, and they also have a score to settle with defending champions Terengganu in the semi-final first leg at the National Hockey Stadium tomorrow. The return leg is on March 7.
The Tigers razed TNB Thunderbolts 14-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals while Terengganu outplayed China's Liaoning 9-2 on aggregate.
Maybank team manager Zam Zam Mohd Ali, who is a former national player, said they have not beaten Terengganu in recent times in the Malaysia Hockey League. Last month, the Tigers lost 4-3 to Terengganu in a league match.
"Terengganu have been a stumbling block for us. We lost to them because they are more experienced and they also have skilful players.
They, too, had won the double - league and TNB Cup - many times.
"The challenge is on us to get the better of Terengganu. We last qualified for the final way back in 1999 and lost to BSN in a penalty shootout."
Terengganu coach Harfizi Baharom said they expect a torrid time against a vengeful Maybank.
"Our matches against Maybank have always been close, and it will be no different this time.
"Our goal is to win the TNB Cup after failing to defend two titles this season, the Charity Shield and league title," said Harfizi.
Meanwhile newly crowned league champions Tenaga Nasional will face Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in the other semi-final.
Tenaga thrashed KL City 24-1 on aggregate while UiTM defeated Nurinsafi Sporting 5-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
UiTM coach Nor Aqmal Abdul Gaffar said they face an uphill task against Tenaga, who had routed them 5-0 in the league.
"But we will not give up without a fight until the final hooter."
In the Vivian May Soars Cup semi-final first leg, Malaysian University will meet Negri Sembilan while Liaoning will play PDRM Blue Warriors.