We are capable of defending HIL title: Delhi Waveriders coach

The Delhi Waveriders

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS)

Delhi Waveriders chief coach Cedric D'Souza Friday said his team is confident of retaining the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) title. In the second edition of the HIL, Waveriders qualified for the semi-finals after finishing second in the pool standings, eventually going on to clinch the title.

In the final against Punjab Warriors, Waveriders rode on German goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi's brilliant show to eke out a hard-fought 3-1 win on penalties after the two teams ended the regulation time locked at 3-3.

For this season, the Sardar Singh-led side seemed to be focusing more on the defence as they picked New Zealand's seasoned stopper Andrew Hayward in the auction.

"I am excited and waiting for the third edition of the HIL. It was a pleasure seeing the team winning the trophy last year and this time around everyone is aware that it will not be an easy task keeping in mind that the game of hockey has evolved a lot in the last one year," Cedric said.

The team's defensive line-up also has India's Rupinderpal Singh, Australian Tristan White, Black Sticks' Steven Edwards and Spaniard Andres Mir Bel.

"The players have grown in terms of physical strengths as well as strategising quickly on the field. We will also follow the recently concluded Champions Trophy that will give us a fair idea on the kind of play that the players are following on the field," the coach said.

"The aim of course if to retain the title, while it will be difficult but I see no reason why we can't achieve it yet again."

The third edition of the HIL will start Jan 22, next year. The opening day will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.