NSL KEY PLATFORM TO IDENTIFY NATIONAL PLAYERS FOR 2027 SEA GAMES - PBJM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- The National Netball Super League (NSL) continues to serve as a key platform for Malaysian Netball Association (PBJM) to identify and assess the country’s top talents in forming the national squad ahead of the 2027 SEA Games on home soil.

PBJM president Alwiyah Talib said player selection does not rely solely on coaches’ views but also involves an evaluation panel tasked with monitoring players’ performances across various tournaments throughout the year.

“When there are competitions such as the NSL and other tournaments organised by PBJM, this is the time for us to identify players with real potential. We select only the best, without favouritism or cronyism,” she said after the NSL launch at Astro Studio Bukit Jalil here today.

Alwiyah said among the key tournaments serving as benchmarks in the search for players for the 2027 SEA Games are the National Youth Championship, the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and the NSL itself, which she described as a continuous pathway to build a long list of players before finalising the squad.

“We already have a long list of players and the search will continue until we find the best combination. In the end, we will select around 12 players only to represent Malaysia,” she said.

Meanwhile, Alwiyah said the fifth edition of the NSL, scheduled from April 10 to May 17, will feature several enhancements aimed at improving the quality of play and adding tactical elements, including the introduction of the ‘super shot’ rule for the first time in the domestic league.

She said under the rule, goals scored from a designated zone outside a specific line during the final five minutes of play will be awarded two points instead of the usual one.

“This innovation has been widely used in overseas leagues such as in Australia. It not only adds excitement to the game but also gives trailing teams a chance to close the gap in the closing stages,” she said.

In addition, this season’s NSL will also introduce pre-season matches as well as the organisation of the Original Cup, which will take place a few days after the league concludes, as part of efforts to expand exposure and playing time for local players.

-- BERNAMA