Star tekong Syahir back in favour at STAM?
THE Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) are willing to give star tekong Syahir Rosdi a second chance with the national team.
STAM president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail said he was impressed with Syahir’s form at the recent Sepak Takraw League (STL).
Syahir and teammate Zulkifli Razak were handed a nine-month suspension from the sport in June 2019 by the STAM for indiscipline.
It was reported that they were unhappy with the reduction in allowances then.
“I have spoken to Syahir a few times, and we have also discussed his status within STAM,” said Ahmad.
“What we did (suspension) was to educate him. And if he has learned from his mistakes, I feel that it is only fair to give him a second chance.
“He did quite well in the STL final. He showed some of the form he had during the 2014-15 season.
“However, it would not be fair to the others (players) if we brought him back into the national team just because he is a big name.
“We have decided to include Syahir in a simulation tournament on Apr 8-10.
“The tournament, among the national trainees, will give us a good chance to evaluate his current form.”
The only major assignment this year for sepak takraw is the Vietnam Sea Games on Nov 21-Dec 2.
Ahmad, however, added that Syahir would have to adhere to a few conditions if he does rejoin the national team.
“The most important condition is that he must make a pledge in front of the entire coaching staff.
“The other conditions will remain between us.”
Syahir first grabbed attention as an 18-year-old when he played a starring role in the national team’s shock win over Thailand at the Malacca leg of the Istaf Super Series in 2015.
He was also part of the national team who won gold at the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games.
Syahir's strong performance also helped his team, KL Thunder, emerge champions in the STL earlier this month.