According BJSS netball coach Choo Kon Lee, they would be taking part in six international competitions, including the Singapore Super Netball League, as well as local events.
“We have six international tournaments lined up and four local competitions. So, our players will have be on their toes throughout the year. The players are aware of the tough schedule and they must be prepared to work diligently,’’ said Choo.
Take this: The players going through the paces in training. The international competitions are the Asian Youth championships in New Delhi (July), Asean Schools Sports Carnival in Kuala Lumpur (July), International Schools Challenge in New Zealand (May), BJSS International Invitational in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Youth Sports School Challenge and the Singapore Super Netball League.
The local competitions are the Milo-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) championships, Malaysia Games (Sukma), National Junior Open and National Open.
Besides the tournament, BJSS will also be taking part in other local competitions.
Currently, 22 players, including four new recruits - Nur Natasyaamira Mokhtar, Wan Ainee Wan Johari, Nurul Khalida Mohd Noor and Nur Syafiqah Khanum Mohd Fuad - are training five days a week. The new recruits were selected based on their performance in the MSSM cham-pionships as well as the Sports School carnival.
Choo said they had invited five players but one was unable to join due to health problems.
“The four new recruits have adapted well to the training programme. They are tall and have the basic skills. With the training and guidance from the seniors, we expect them to be better players,’’ said Choo.
Setting the pace: The players going through strategic drills watched by Choo. The rookies will get the chance to gauge their progress when the BJSS entertains the Hong Kong Under-21 squad from Feb 26 to 28.
Choo is expected to give all the players in the team a chance to display their skills.
“We will be playing three matches - one on each day - and the matches will be important to evaluate the players,’’ added Choo.
Two players - Nur Shamilia Md Samsuddin and Nurul Husna Akbal Amad - will rejoin the squad for the Asean School Sports Carnival. Both Nur Shamilia and Nurul Husna, who are waiting for their SPM examination results, have returned to their home state.
For Choo, the Asean Schools Sports Carnival, involving 13 sports in the MSSSM programme, is an important competition.
“We want to win the gold medal,’’ said Choo.
