The Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia this month gives Junior India coach Gregg Clark one last opportunity to “test his wards” before the big test at home — the Junior World Cup in December.
As the squad of 33 went through their drills at the National Stadium here on Thursday evening, the South African kept a sharp eye on the players and special focus was put on team structure, technique, drag-flick combinations and goalkeeping.
Said Clark, who took charge in April this year, “The players have progressed really well. For me to begin with, there was a lot of talent at disposal and it was about polishing the rough edges, making some technical improvements that were more relevant to current international hockey.
“I think most people would tell you that India is a difficult country to travel to. There are cultural differences, but I have enjoyed all of it.”
Clark, who earlier coached South Africa for four years and title winners Ranchi Rhinos in the inaugural Hockey India League, though was left disappointed for want of more international tournaments.
The junior team last competed in an international event in June, and efforts to arrange a series against Australia too didn’t materialise.
“It is nice to be finally going to a tournament and getting some competition. We have been training for a couple of months now, but obviously matches against top teams give an accurate indication of where we are at the performance level.
“Every match is important now, and in the end, it is all about how prepared we are on December 6, when the World Cup begins.”
The arrival of Manpreet Singh (skipper), Kothajit Singh, Mandeep Singh and Amit Rohidas — all of whom played the senior Asia Cup last month — has added to the team’s strength.
“We still have two months to integrate them properly in our structure. It is a transition phase for them, and us. They will be important players in the build-up to the World Cup and it is great to have talent that has been serving the senior team.”
Mandeep likely to be rested
Striker Mandeep is likely to be rested for the Johor Cup, with either Ramandeep Singh or Malak Singh taking his place.
Mandeep, it is learnt, is carrying a slight niggle and the think-tank is considering giving the talented youngster from Mithapur a break to keep him fit for the quadrennial event in New Delhi.