Delhi Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh and coach Cedric D’Souza are clear that there will no let-up in intensity at the Mahindra stadium against winless Dabur Mumbai Magicians at the Hero Hockey India League 2014 Saturday night game.
DW top the league table with 34 points and can afford to experiment after confirming semifinal qualification. “We are working towards having a set team in time for the semifinal, so will play our usual game,” said playmaker Sardara, also the current India captain.
Cedric, former national men’s coach, stressed on the recovery part. “All teams are playing very well, though it may not reflect in the points tally. In such a long tournament with many matches, players’ recovery is what makes the difference. We monitor our players’ performance on the field and recovery using a special software.”
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The coach added: “It is to the collective credit of players and coaching staff that we have crossed our first target by reaching the semis. Now it is about keeping the momentum going and taking it one match at a time.”
Mumbai Magicians was worthy of respect, felt the Delhi coach despite occupying the last place in the six-team league. “Mumbai is an excellent side, quality players in Glenn Turner, V Vinaya and two good goalkeepers. It is unfortunate that they are not able to win more.”