SRAM settle for Ajaz as coach
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) have decided to appoint a “familar face” as the new national coach.
Though SRAM had earlier stated they plan to hire a new foreign coach as repacement for Peter Genever, they will instead move up Pakistani Ajaz Azmat for the job.
Englishman Genever resigned from his post last month after serving as SRAM head coach for seven years.
Ajaz, who rejoined SRAM in 2017 after a stint in the United States, will be assisted by new deputy head coach Andrew Cross.
Cross was formerly the national junior squad coach and has been coaching in Malaysia since 2007. Ajaz, 41, coached Malaysia from 2004 to 2010 after which he was based in New York for the next seven years.
SRAM director of coaching Mejar (rtd) S. Maniam, who last month said the national body were considering one coach from Canada and one from Australia to replace Genever, admitted that financial issues have derailed their plans.
SRAM have also signed Muhammad Ammar Md Sidik, who previously coached Penang, as a backup coach.
“We have had interest from overseas applicants. Unfortunately we were restricted by budget constraints,” said Maniam.
“I’ve also decided on a new coaching structure. As head coach, Ajaz will oversee the senior men and women. Cross will also have to take charge of the junior boys.
“Kenny Foo will assist Ajaz in the senior men’s department while Shahril Shahidan will handle both the senior women and junior girls’ teams.
“Ammar, when he joins, will take charge of the backup squad, who are mainly the Bukit Jalil Sports School players. He will be assisted by Lawrence Kwan.”
Maniam disclosed that SRAM are also looking to offer Nafiizwan Adnan a role in the national coaching setup when he eventually decides to retire from competitive squash.
“I believe Nafiizwan will be of great value to our coaching programme. He is a top player and he has the trust and respect of his teammates. He also has a good demeanour and a good work ethic which will rub off well on the players,” added Maniam.