"Our players pass less, focus more scoring goals single-handedly," highlights national head coach

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan hockey team's head coach Siegfried Aikman highlighted the weak areas of national players. 

Speaking to media after Pakistan held a draw against South Africa in first match of Commonwealth Games 2022, Aikman said a culture of 'dominating single-handedly' prevails in Pakistan. 

"Our players did very well today as we are below in the rankings," he said. "There is a weakness in our team, players go for scoring goals single-handedly. They focus less on passing the ball and creating chances. That's why we suffer a lot of times," he added. 

Aikman stressed that there is a need to change this long-lasting culture. "We need to overcome our weaknesses. If we focus more on creating penalty corner chances, it will help us win games. This is what modern-day hockey is all about," he maintained. 

On the other hand, Pakistan team skipper Umar Bhutta hopes to turn the tables against New Zealand in next game. "Players performed really well today. We made some mistakes but we will try to come up strongly against New Zealand," he said. 

Sameer Hussain, manager of the national hockey team, credited players for restricting a highly-ranked team, South Africa. "It wasn't easy for players to draw the game against South Africa. They are above us in rankings, credit goes to our players, who are not even experienced, for giving tough time to South Africa," he praised. 

Pakistan will play their next match against New Zealand on July 31.