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Wednesday February 18, 2009

Sarawak duo the pioneers from east Malaysia to feature in the MHL

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawakians Dielvin Mula and Melvin Strute Jimod are set to make history in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this year.

Forward Dielvin and midfielder Melvin, who are both Bidayuhs, will be the first two players from east Malaysia to play in the MHL.

They will turn out for Petaling Ja­ya City Council (MBPJ) in Division Two of the MHL, which begins on Friday.

MBPJ coach Paul Raj said he was informed by the Sarawak HA about the two players last December.

History makers:Petalin Jaya City Council (MPBJ) players Melvin Strute (right) and Dielvin Mula will be the first Sarawakians to feature in the MHL starting on Friday.

“I went to Kuching in December to watch them in action and I was quite impressed with their skills,” said Paul.

“They also played for Sarawak in the Borneo Cup in Brunei last Decem­ber and were their key players.

“I offered them a place in MBPJ and they were delighted to accept it. They will be the first two players from east Malaysia to feature in the league.”

Paul said the duo, who both studied at the SMK Penrissen and are awaiting their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination results, had been training with MBPJ since the beginning of last month and were likely to be first choice players.

Melvin said he was honoured to be playing in the MHL as there were no such league in Sarawak.

“The Sarawak HA cannot hold a state league because the Astroturf at the Kuching Stadium is worn out,” said Melvin.

“Dielvin and I have to train and play at the mini-turf at our school. It’s a pity that there are so many players from our state who are interested in taking up hockey but there are only limited number of Astroturfs in Sarawak.

“I was delighted to train at the Tun Razak Stadium in Jalan Duta ... it is an excellent condition and has all the facilities.”

Dielvin thanked MBPJ for giving them a chance to play in the MHL.

“MBPJ take very good care of us by providing accommodation, food and they even provide us with training allowances,” said Dielvin.

“We get very good treatment from MBPJ and we will definitely give our best in the MHL.”

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