KUALA LUMPUR: Fans can look forward to an explosive Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) season starting tomorrow (Jan 4), featuring new teams and high-profile foreign signings.
China's Liaoning, along with debutants Territory Stingers from Australia and Matador Club, are among the key attractions this season.
The men's MHL, which features 10 teams, will see 21 foreign players from Pakistan, South Korea, India, Australia, and South Africa in action.
Matador Club will be bolstered by eight Pakistan internationals, while Maybank have signed Australians Govers Kieran Ian and Hayes Jack Peter.
Terengganu will rely on South Korean veteran Lee Nam Yong and South African Samkelo Mvimbi, while defending champions Tenaga Nasional have retained South Korean penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun.
Nurinsafi Sporting have also brought in several Indian players.
Tenaga, powered by nine national players, will kick off their campaign against Terengganu in the Charity Shield match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Coach Nor Saiful Zaini, who guided Tenaga to the Charity Shield, MHL and TNB Cup titles last season, admitted this year would be more competitive.
"It will be a challenge for us to defend our three titles. Other teams have made impressive signings, and it's shaping up to be an exciting season," said Saiful today.
"We have retained Jong Hyun because he is an outstanding player. He knows how and when to turn the game around to our advantage, as we saw several times last season.
"There is so much my players can learn from him."
Saiful added that he expects Terengganu to provide strong competition again this season.
Tenaga will bank on national forward Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, who was the top scorer in the MHL in both 2023 (40 goals) and 2024 (32 goals), to deliver goals again this year.
Terengganu coach Harfizi Baharom believes the additions of Nam Yong and Mvimbi will strengthen their bid to reclaim all three titles.
"We won the treble in 2023, and it was painful to finish without silverware last year," said Harfizi.
Terengganu will count on the Saari brothers — forward Faizal and midfielder Fitri — to lead the team.
Other notable players include Fariz Harizan, Syarman Mat Tee, and Akhimullah Anuar Esook.
Meanwhile, the women's league will feature defending champions Malaysian University, Blue Warriors, Negri Sembilan, Armed Forces, Uniten, QNet Phoenix, and Territory Stingers from Australia.
Tomorrow's fixtures
Men's MHL: Maybank v Armed Forces (6pm), Tenaga Nasional v Terengganu (8.30pm).
Women's MHL: Negri Sembilan v QNet Phoenix (4pm at Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium), Malaysian University v Blue Warriors (6pm).
* Matches at National Hockey Stadium (Pitch 1 or 2) in Bukit Jalil unless stated.