Congratulations to THT & Negeri Sembilan for winning treble and creating the history.
Normally, after every MHL, there should be a post-mortem not to address the organisation aspect (we are known for best in organising events) but on how to improve the quality and increasing the domestic competitiveness to churn high quality international players, Coaches, TO and Umpires.
There must be new innovative ideas on how to enhance the League standards in which would be close to EHL standards. Might be privatising the League could be a good idea but this idea needs proper brainstorming and defining the duties and responsibilities between parties is a prerequisite prior to privatision.
On Coaching segment of MHL teams, there is a need for this Coaches to be updated with latest training methodology and modern hockey of play with sports science and usage of technology to make informed and real time decision. Most Coaches are playing the similar tactical and structure from start till the end of the League. This Coaches needs more exposure and Courses conducted by top renowned coaches.
The glaring tactical issues during MHL..
1. Lack the idea in PC Attack
2. No variation in structural of play in each match
3. Most teams lack depth in bench
4. Goalkeeping aspect still poor
5. Similar play in all 4 quarters
6. No sheet on rolling subs timing
7. Depended too much on National Senior players to perform
8. Fitness strength was poor as rest in between a day is insufficient due to back to back.
9. Some players are overweight
10. Most teams played the same structure and pattern which easy to counter and not many of variations was implemented.
Overall the big top 3 - THT, TNB and Maybank overides the poor bottom 5 teams - NurInsafi, UiTM, Young Tigers, ATM and TNB Thunderbolt who are just in for participation and some teams should just play at state leagues.
Even at women segments, the gap is too wide between teams and which 2 teams KPT Uniten & N Sembilan are dominant due to engaging 7-9 National players. Women League needs a total overhaul and proper short and long-term approach.
To certain extent, the Young Tigress did well and improved by matches. Young Tigers team needs serious soul searching as left with 7 months towards JWC 23 in KL which target is Semifinals.
It was a good idea to have both this teams to play in MHL23 as a team and allow the Coaches and support team to gauge the strength and weaknesses of the team.
The Organiser needs to:
1. Post-mortem - on quality and future
2. Rules - no away goal decision if playing same venue
3. More new teams - tough as we lack large pool of talented players anymore
4. Video Referral for all matches not only for Live.
5. More matches at League level min 3 rounds with 3 months event
6. Reduce Foreign players (just 2) to allow priority given to local talent but National player on the field should be unlimited - not 6 combined rules.
8. More Teams must give employment rather than playing contracts to stir the interest of other young players to play in MHL.
9. Quality & Pool of Umpires need to be enhanced and only about 6-8 good umpires we have at this juncture.
10. There is a need for MHL Div 2 to be the incubator and a stepping stone for small clubs to grow.
11. To have defined dates of MHL for 2024 & 2025 for teams to be well prepared and managing their budget & sponsorship.
12. Certain teams do not deserve to play in Premier League due to lack of competitiveness.
13. Demerit points to be reviewed depends on how many matches or round of league.
We hope the Organiser would take some suggestions and move forward to make our Malaysian Hockey League as one of the best Leagues in World hockey.
All stakeholders must look into these matters with an open heart with the interest of the sports...
We want Malaysian hockey to achieve the best in years to come and we have all the support and resources to do so.
Malaysia Boleh...
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