KUALA LUMPUR — The national women’s sepak takraw coaching team, led by Rashidi Nordin, can breathe easy, as all coaches will have their contracts extended for the coming year. However, the same reassurance does not apply to the players.
Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) president, Datuk Sumali Reduan, revealed that a major reshuffle is planned for the women’s squad, especially in preparation for the SEA Games in Thailand in December next year.
As part of this overhaul, a new selection process will be held next month, which will include players scouted at the district level.
“We’ve already identified some names through the Tun Ali Cup, but we still have more discussions to have. A major reshuffle is coming, and we’ll need new selections.
“The list for the women’s team is already being shortlisted, and we’re looking to bring in fresh players—maybe even a completely new team—who are truly ready for international challenges.
“This will help us assess the training structure, funding allocation, and player quotas for the women’s team.
“It’s crucial to take decisive action to advance women’s development in this sport,” said Sumali while chairing the PSM high committee meeting, here, yesterday.
Sumali added that this revamp is necessary because the national women’s team’s performance has not matched that of the men’s team at the SEA Games and other tournaments.
He also acknowledged the unique challenges in developing an elite women’s squad and said that PSM is actively exploring the best solutions.
“There are currently 12 players, but we could increase this to 15, as some district-level players have shown potential, even if they haven’t yet made a mark at the national level.
“However, the women’s team faces certain challenges—some players have career commitments, recent marriages, or family obligations that prevent them from travelling long distances.
“In some cases, talented players don’t get permission from their families or employers. We need to carefully consider each situation,” he explained.
For the record, Malaysia’s women’s team achieved their best result at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, when they secured a silver medal in the team regu event.
They failed to progress past the group stages at the Asian Games in Incheon 2014 and Jakarta/Palembang 2018. The team also did not compete in the 2022 edition in Hangzhou last October. — November 11, 2024