IPOH – National hockey goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman credits his coach S. Kumar for his man-of-the-match display against New Zealand at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday.
The 32-year-old Hafizuddin was in his element, making several saves, including sensationally blocking New Zealand’s second penalty stroke in the 30th minute, to help the Speedy Tigers to a 6-4 win.
Hafizuddin, with 107 international caps, has been Malaysia’s first-choice custodian since 2020.
He was also named the best keeper in the eight-nation Paris Olympics qualifiers in Muscat, Oman, in January.
Hafizuddin said he felt proud to be learning under one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the world and hoped to maintain his fine form for the rest of the tournament.
“I thank coach Kumar for transforming me into what I am, and without his coaching over the years, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“He has always been influential and encourages me to do better every day; his words always inspire me to give my 100% on the turf.
“Even when I have a bad game, he motivates me and has never given up on me in any circumstances, which is what all players want from their coaches: trust.
“I’m glad to have put up a man-of-the-match performance against New Zealand, and I hope to continue my fine form against the rest of the teams in this tournament,” said Hafizuddin during a post-match press conference.
Kumar is a former national goalkeeper who had a 20-year career with the Speedy Tigers.
The Tampin-born ex-Speedy Tiger helped Malaysia win silver medals at the 2010 Asian Games (Guangzhou) and 2018 Asian Games (Jakarta-Palembang), and the 2017 Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The 46-year-old, who made 321 international appearances, was also named the Best Goalkeeper at the FIH World League Round Three in London after helping Malaysia finish fourth to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Kumar’s international retirement in 2020 saw him appointed as a coach for the national team by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation in the same year.
Malaysia, the defending champions of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, will take on Japan in their fourth match later today.
For the record, the Speedy Tigers made history when they ended a 39-year wait to win the invitational tournament for the first time after defeating South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 final.
Malaysia previously finished second five times – in 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2014 – since the tournament was first held in 1983. – May 8, 2024