Oltmans best coach: Lissek

Published December 13, 2003

KARACHI, Dec 12: Malaysia hockey coach Paul Lissek said he would be expecting a new Pakistan Senior side during Saturday’s match with newly-hired Dutchman Roelant Oltmans on the bench.

“Pakistan are a good side and we are here to have more experience. But I will be looking forward to a new Pakistan team tomorrow as he (Oltmans) is surely the best coach,” the German told reporters.

Pakistan Seniors will be having their first game against any foreign side at the newly-laid polygrass surface at Hockey Club of Pakistan under Oltmans who took over the charge as coach on Dec 9.

While Lissek is one of the finest coaches in the world, Oltmans also has an illustrious coaching career. Under the Dutchman the Netherlands won 1996, 1998 Champions Trophy, 1996 Atlanta Olympics and finally the coveted 1998 World Cup in Utrecht.

The Dutchman has been hired by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) after pathetic performances during the last three and half years and to end the victory draught.

“My objective against the Malaysians will be to win and not a competition against their coach (Lissek),” Oltmans said.

According to the Malaysian coach, his side was a youthful outfit since it had at least eight or nine junior players while few more would also be battling for a place in the squad in the future before the Olympic Games.

Lissek said his side was here to gain exposure before the Olympic qualifying round in Madrid next March for which he expressed optimism, hoping to qualify for the Athens Games.

Following the two games against Pakistan Seniors and Juniors, Malaysia are scheduled to leave for Spain to play a match against the Spanish national team and four local clubs.

They will fly back home all the way from Spain to Malaysia before appearing in the Jan 8 to 18 Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

“The basic purpose to visit Spain is to play at the venue of the Olympic qualifiers because that is the most important event for us at the moment,” he said.

Malaysian coach said Pakistan Juniors were a group of talented players but all they needed was international exposure.

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