KUALA LUMPUR – Experience alone will not be enough for coaches aspiring to join the revamped coaching staff at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), as they must also have a proven track record of producing world-class athletes.
ABM coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, made this clear today following the announcement that the contract of long-serving men’s singles coach, Hendrawan, will not be renewed.
Commenting on the latest coaching reshuffle, Rexy stated that these changes are part of the national body’s broader strategy to achieve greater success.
Former world champion Hendrawan, who joined the national team in 2009, will officially depart on October 31, despite his contract running until December.
“In recent times, we have faced heavy criticism. People have said our men’s and women’s singles departments have stagnated. That is why we are testing this new approach.
“We’ve decided to reassign coaches, focusing more on junior development. We hope experienced coaches like Datuk Tey Seu Bock (formerly men’s singles) and Hoon Thien How (formerly women’s doubles) will produce more high-quality juniors, transitioning smoothly into the senior squad.
“As of now, we are still securing head coaches for the men’s and women’s singles, as well as the women’s doubles departments.
“We are considering several candidates and will announce them in due course. It is crucial that these new coaches are not only highly experienced but also have a proven record of producing top players,” Rexy explained after a meeting with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) acting president, Datuk V. Subramaniam.
In addition to Hendrawan’s departure, junior singles coach Ameer Amri Zainuddin’s contract will also not be renewed.
Several other high-profile coaches, including former junior head Jeffer Rosobin, have been assigned new roles.
Seu Bock, who, like Hendrawan, played a pivotal role in coaching the likes of three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, and Ng Tze Yong, will head the boys’ junior team, while Thien How, best known for coaching Malaysian badminton stars Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, will join the boys’ doubles junior squad.
Former women’s singles coach K. Yogendran will team up with Alvin Chew to coach the men’s singles players, while Tan Bin Shen and Nova Widianto will continue as head coaches for the men’s and mixed doubles departments, respectively.
Rexy added that Hendrawan had been allowed to leave early, as it was only fair for him to seek future opportunities.
“I spoke to Hendrawan this morning. He has been an outstanding coach. We want to thank him for everything he has done and wish him all the best.
“Although his contract runs until December, given that we’ve made the announcement, I’m sure other opportunities will arise for him, and perhaps he can start immediately elsewhere,” Rexy concluded. — October 1, 2024