KUALA LUMPUR – The new singles head coach for the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) could begin their duties as early as this month, according to ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Rexy announced this today, confirming that he and Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh had verbally agreed on terms with the coach following a Zoom call yesterday.
“I can say the confirmation status of the new singles head coach is at 95% following our Zoom call, and I will be following up with the candidate again today. The new coach will oversee both the men’s and women’s singles departments.
“Based on our discussion with the coach, both sides have agreed on the terms. However, the coach has requested a day or two to finalise the confirmation, and I will be in touch today,” said Rexy.
“As speculated, the candidates we were considering include Kenneth Jonassen (Denmark), Mulyo Handoyo (Indonesia), and Kim Ji-hyun (South Korea). If all goes well, I will make the official announcement on Friday.”
The former Indonesian world and Olympic champion added that the new coach could start as early as this month.
“Given our discussions with the management, we agreed that if the coach only joins in December, there may not be enough time to make an impact for the Malaysia Open in January.
“I’m not saying there will be a huge difference if the coach joins in November, but perhaps there could be a slight improvement in the players’ mentality and mindset. On-court skills and training may take more time.
“During our conversation, the coach mentioned that, if everything goes smoothly, they could start as early as this month. That would be ideal, as we still have about three months before the Malaysia Open,” Rexy explained.
Meanwhile, Rexy declined to comment further on the appointment of the women’s doubles head coach.
“Yes, we have confirmed a coach, but they have requested privacy, and we must respect that. Announcing it now would break trust even before we begin working together. We just need to be patient,” he noted.
Last week, Rexy unveiled a revamped coaching structure, which saw experienced coaches like Tey Seu Bock (men’s singles) and Hoon Thien How (women’s doubles) move to the national junior team. Long-serving men’s singles head coach Hendrawan was also released after 15 years of service. – October 8, 2024