KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu’s rugby squad is taking a more measured approach to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor, targeting a bronze medal despite finishing runners-up in the previous edition.
Team manager Mohd Amirulmukminin Sulaiman said the target reflected significant changes to the squad, with many new players set to make their Sukma debuts.
He said the team was in good shape and confident of reaching the latter stages of the competition, which begins on Aug 21.
“The players are ready to give their best. We know the challenge will be different this time because many are playing in their first Sukma,” he said after a brief send-off ceremony for the 26 players and officials in Kuala Terengganu.
“Most of the squad comprises new players, but that does not mean we are here to make up the numbers.”
At the previous Sukma in Sarawak, Terengganu’s men’s team took silver, while the women’s team claimed bronze.
Amirulmukminin said those results should not become a burden for the new-look squad.
“If we can achieve more than the target, that would obviously be better. But for now, bronze is the more realistic target given the strength and composition of the team,” he said.
“What matters most is for the players to believe in themselves and execute our game plan.”
The gathering also served as a morale boost for the team ahead of their departure for Selangor, bringing together players, team officials and stakeholders to show their support for the Terengganu rugby contingent.
In the men’s competition, Terengganu have been drawn in Group D alongside Kedah, Penang and Perlis. The women’s team are in Group E with Sabah, Kedah and Johor.
Sukma, which officially started yesterday, will go on until Aug 24.
