KUALA LUMPUR — National hockey forward Shello Silverius has encouraged players, particularly young ones selected to represent the national team, to seize the opportunity and give their full commitment.
Shello, who has earned 61 caps and scored 17 goals for the Speedy Tigers, emphasised that representing the country is every athlete’s dream and should be prioritised above all else.
Previously, Scoop reported that the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) would not hesitate to ban players from the national team if they prioritise club commitments over national duties.
The governing body’s statement came amidst speculation that some players might skip the national indoor hockey team’s preparations for the 2025 World Cup, following instructions from their employers to focus on club training ahead of next year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The MHL, set to run from January 4 to February 25, will overlap with the indoor team’s World Cup preparations, scheduled for February 3 to 9 in Croatia.
“As for me, I’ve never been in such a situation, so I can’t comment further. However, for me, wearing the Malaysian jersey is always the priority.
“It’s all about passion, and it gives me the honour of putting Malaysia on the world stage. My determination is even stronger, especially after recovering from a broken hand.
“For young players, if you ever get the chance to represent the national team, give it your all and be truly dedicated,” Shello advised, speaking at a Mizuno Malaysia event where he was unveiled as the brand’s ambassador.
The 25-year-old forward suffered a broken left hand a few months before Malaysia competed in the World Cup in India last year. However, upon recovery, he showed no fear of the injury recurring, displaying remarkable resilience and determination.
He went on to score three goals during the tournament and was named Player of the Match in the game against Japan.
At the same time, for the upcoming MHL season, Shello will continue to wear the Tenaga Nasional Berhad jersey, remaining a key figure in the team that clinched the treble championship this year.
“Our preparations are ongoing while I’m still in the national training camp, but I think we’ll break camp around mid-December, after which we’ll focus on gearing up for the MHL.
“This year, we achieved the treble (Sumbangsih Cup, MHL champions, and TNB Cup champions), and we hope to defend those titles,” he added. — December 1, 2024