KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey squad will be banking on crowd support to serve as ‘their 12th player’ in the men’s Junior World Cup (JWC) here from Dec 5 to 16.

Team captain Muhamad Faris Harizan said although playing on home ground would put some pressure on the players, vocal support from fans at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil should spur them to a good showing.

“We are fully prepared and in the best shape. It is definitely a big challenge as all teams will be parading their best players and putting up a strong challenge,” said Muhamad Faris, who has just recovered from a groin injury.

“However, with home-ground advantage and the support of ‘the 12th player’, Insya-Allah we will be able to give it our best shot,” he said in a recent interview.

The penalty corner specialist said he is ready to play the role of a mentor as this will be his second JWC.

Of the 18 players in the squad, only three had played in the previous edition in Bhubaneswar, India, two years ago.

“As the skipper, I will use my experience to guide the new players. As a defender, I will have a good overall view of the team (to give quick instructions).

“The 18 selected are the best available. We identified our weaknesses in the recent Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) and are working to overcome them before the JWC starts,” said the Penang-born player.

Malaysia, who are in Group A, will play their opening match against Chile on Tuesday, before taking on defending champions Argentina on Wednesday and 1997 champions Australia on Dec 8 to wind up their group campaign.

Malaysia’s best achievement in JWC was fourth placing in the inaugural tournament in 1979, 1982 and 2013, while in the last edition, the national team were knocked out of the quarterfinals after losing 0-4 to France.

We are fully prepared and in the best shape. It is definitely a big challenge as all teams will be parading their best players and putting up a strong challenge.

Muhamad Faris Harizan