Malini staying positive

AFTER one thrashing too many in recent memory, there is little expectation of the national women's football team at the Sea Games.

It will be difficult enough to win a game let alone finish among the medals so it is refreshing to see that skipper Malini Nordin can still find the positives in the raw women's team.

"We have not won a match against international opposition for more than a year but it is not something we think about. We have come here in confident mood and we know it will be tough. But we will try to give it our best," Malini said after training near the National University Stadium yesterday.

Malini, 24, is one of the 'senior' members of the team having played in Korat two years ago where the women lost to Thailand and Myanmar.

"The other teams here all more experienced and been together longer whereas we always seem to have a new squad every time we assemble for a tournament. But we have been training together the last six months and finally gelled," added Malini.

Malaysia face a daunting opener against defending champions Thailand at the National University Stadium tomorrow in a round robin tournament also featuring Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos.

In the pre-Sea Games tournament three months ago in Laos, Malaysia lost 6-0 to the hosts and 13-0 and 4-1 against two Thai university sides featuring a host of national players.

"I think our best chance of a result is against Laos or Myanmar. I know we lost 6-0 to Laos earlier but back then we were raw and only here for the experience. Now we are better prepared for the challenge ahead," said Malini.