Coach Rezal urges MNCF committee to ‘do better’
biking coach Rezal Abu Bakar has urged the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) and its mountain biking (MTB) committee to “do better” in managing the sport.
Rezal, a full-time MTB coach under the Terengganu State Sports Council, was among a number of state coaches who, out of their own initiative, banded together to help guide the national team at the Asian Championships in Putrajaya last week.
Despite having limited resources, the national riders won two gold and three bronze medals — Malaysia's best-ever achievement at the Asian Championships.
“The result proves that we have no shortage of potential when it comes to talent,” said Rezal yesterday.
“But sometimes the higher-ups are not carrying out their roles as best as possible, and I hope this tournament will serve as a wake-up call for them to find a way to do better.
“It would be unfair to blame the entire MNCF; this issue should be addressed by the MTB committee.
“The MTB committee approved the list of coaches and athletes only a few weeks before the competition, which should not have been the case.
“It should have been decided at least four months before. Six months would have been better for more comprehensive preparation.
“This is the national team we are talking about, not some village team. I am disappointed with how the committee managed this.”
The national squad, comprising 29 riders, lacked the proper support and survived on donations of rice, sardines, eggs, biscuits, and instant coffee contributed by the cycling community during the week-long tournament.
Melaka-based Helaz Cycling Team forked out the funds for the national squad's accommodation and other necessities.
“We really have to thank Helaz for their support, as they forked out at least RM50,000 to cover our accommodation and other expenses,” said Rezal.
“Helaz put the riders first and did not think twice about helping us. Even their officials came to support us.
“However, it is embarrassing to keep asking for their help. What is the point of having the MNCF MTB committee if we keep relying on Helaz?
“I also have to thank the cycling community for their support and the coaches who came from all over the country out of their own pockets to bring their athletes
here and also help out.”
Rezal confirmed that a coach from an East Coast state had also sold his pet birds for roughly RM3,000 to fund two of his riders to compete with the national team.