KUALA LUMPUR – Rexy Mainaky, the coaching director of Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), clarified that he was not involved in the hiring of the new juniors head coach, Jeffer Rosobin.
However, he hopes that Jeffer will be able to share his experience to elevate the level of Malaysia’s junior shuttlers.
Jeffer has been appointed to replace Datuk Misbun Sidek and will be responsible for Malaysia’s junior setup.
The 47-year-old has previously achieved success by guiding Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung to victory at the 2017 World Junior Championships.
Rexy confirmed that Jeffer has been working at ABM since November 1.
“Jeffer has been working since Wednesday (November 1). He has attended meetings and has submitted his plans for the juniors.
“We will discuss those plans with Michelle Chai, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) administrative director, to seek approval,” said Rexy.
Previously, BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria stated the national body had compiled a list of candidates for the position of junior coaching director and discussed them with Rexy.
However, Rexy clarified that he had no involvement in the hiring process for Jeffer.
“To clarify, I’m not the one who brought him into BAM. The national body had advertised the vacant position. Jeffer applied, and the management interviewed and chose to hire him for the job,” he said during the Kuala Lumpur Masters yesterday.
When asked if he had provided any input on Jeffer’s hiring, Rexy denied doing so.
“No, I didn’t have anything to do with the hiring. I also didn’t know that Jeffer had applied for the job. I just heard that a few coaches had applied, and Jeffer was ultimately selected.
“As a player, I know Jeffer is disciplined, hardworking and always gives his best in training. I hope he can utilise his experience as a player and coach to benefit our junior coaches and players.
“Jeffer will bring a fresh perspective to the juniors department and elevate the level of the youngsters,” said Rexy. – November 6, 2023