SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE
Coach Wai Hwang: Make Syihan’s case a lesson
NATIONAL Under-23 goalkeeping coach Yong Wai Hwang considers the doping case surrounding Ahmad Syihan Hazmi as a clear message to players and also officials to be careful from now on.
He admits that he was disappointed by the shocking news as they were not in the know, nor informed about the consumption of supplements in the form of protein by Syihan which is said to be the main reason why the goalkeeper tested positive for the banned substance Metabolite Methandienone during the 2018 AFC Under-23 Championship in Changshu, China last month.
“This is indeed shocking news and it is also very disappointing because I am close to him. He is not a troublesome or problematic player during the period he has been with the team. He is a hardworking player that is committed in training and often even does additional training on his own initiative.
“All this while I never thought that he was consuming a banned substance. He did not inform me about the protein that he was taking. As a matter of fact, it is our responsibility to remind players about the dangers of doping and we have warned and spoken to them before about this matter.
“For me, this is a lesson not just for Syihan but for the rest of the players and officials to always be very mindful about the dangers and risk in consuming supplements. From before, we only allow players to take vitamins and food supplements that are provided by the National Sports Institute (NSI),” said Wai Hwang yesterday.
On Tuesday, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that Syihan was found to have failed a random doping test that was carried out after Malaysia’s first Group C match against Iraq at the Changshu Stadium on Jan 10.
Syihan, who represents Negri Sembilan, agreed to have his B sample tested on Monday, however at present he has been slapped with a 60-day temporary suspension which prevents him from taking part in any football activities including domestic matches, friendly matches and official matches until the findings of the test are confirmed and announced.
The 22-year-old player has denied consuming any banned substance but admits that he took protein supplements to help him recover after training.
Wai Hwang hoped that Syihan would be given the necessary support because he feared that the young goalkeeper could face a long suspension from the game which could destroy his playing career.
“We are all hoping that the B sample test is negative for banned substances. However if it is also positive, we hope that he is not hit with a lengthy suspension or ban because it could have damaging consequences on his playing career. It will not be easy to get back so we will need to help, support and motivate him to do what is right, not give up and to pick himself up,” said Wai Hwang.