PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has refuted claims that no key performance indicators (KPIs) were set for national head coach Sarjit Singh.
This response followed reports that National Sports Council (NSC) athletes division director, Azrul Hisyam Abdul Jalil, expressed surprise that the MHC had not established KPIs for Sarjit at this year’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), which recently took place in Inner Mongolia, China.
However, it is widely known that both Sarjit and the MHC had announced a top-four target for the ACT before the tournament.
Azrul also stated that, since the NSC provides financial support for hockey tournaments and the Speedy Tigers are part of the Podium Programme, the NSC expects the MHC to set KPIs for Sarjit in next year’s tournaments.
MHC president, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, responded by affirming that all coaches and members of the governing body operate under KPIs.
He added that it was unfair for certain parties to make assumptions, particularly as Sarjit is in the process of rebuilding the national team.
Subahan also said that the MHC would convene with its board during the finals of the Tun Abdul Razak Cup to establish KPIs for Sarjit for next year’s tournaments.
“It’s not true, and they (the NSC) don’t know what they’re talking about. Even I, as president of the MHC, have KPIs to follow. Regarding Sarjit, his KPIs differ, and the coaching committee has always supported his appointment from day one. Accusing him of not working under KPIs is rubbish.
“All coaches have KPIs. Sarjit mentioned that he needs 14 to 18 months. Some people just jump the gun. If I wanted to set a KPI for the NSC, I could. We’re nearing the end of September, and I’ve yet to receive the promised allocations. But I prefer to stay positive, and I believe we should all remain optimistic for the good of the sport.
“We’re holding our executive board meeting in Ipoh during the Razak Cup finals on October 12 in Johor Bahru, and I will hold a press conference afterwards. We may then discuss new KPIs for Sarjit for next year’s tournaments.
“Our coaching chairman, Datuk Majid Manjit Abdullah, will present the head coach’s report from the recent ACT campaign to the board. The board will then decide the direction for both the senior and junior national teams,” said Subahan at the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League final in Putrajaya yesterday.
Subahan also reiterated his full confidence in Sarjit’s coaching team, expressing optimism that they would elevate the national team’s standards over time.
Sarjit was appointed head coach by the MHC on a two-year contract in March this year.
“I have full confidence in Sarjit’s team; they are doing their best. It’s also time for the players to take responsibility and align themselves with the coaches.
“Our boys can play good hockey, but they need to be more critical and quicker in their decision-making. Most importantly, they should learn how to maintain their lead. We’re currently waiting for Sarjit’s report from the ACT, and from there, we’ll determine what needs to be done,” Subahan added.
In the ACT, Malaysia managed just one win from six matches, scoring 17 goals but conceding 25, finishing last in the six-nation tournament.
Their heaviest defeat came in an 8-1 thrashing by India, marking their worst loss in 36 encounters with the world’s number five team since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Next year, Malaysia is scheduled to participate in the Four Nations Tournament in New Zealand in February, the Asia Cup where the dates and venue are yet to be decided, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and the SEA Games in Bangkok in December. — 22 September 2024