BAM’s search for a new head honcho continues

SEPANG: The new Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director is expected to start work early next year.

BAM secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said they are currently in talks with several local and foreign potential candidates and are still far from closing any deals.

He confirmed that former men’s doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky, who is currently with the Thailand national team, is among them.

Besides Rexy, former international Wong Choong Hann is also believed to be in the shortlist of candidates for the hot post.

“It would take some time as some of the individuals we have approached have got contracts with their respective employers,” said Chin Chai, who is also the coaching and training committee chairman.

“So there’s a lot to be discussed especially pertaining to their salary package, perks and KPI (key performance index).

“Nothing is confirmed for now but we have contacted a few individuals whom we intend to bring in. Rexy is among them. We have no preference on local or foreign talents as we have approached both.

“The appointment is expected to be made some time early next year.”

BAM are looking for a head honcho following the players’ dismal showing in several major tournaments this year.

The team failed to return home with medals from the Asian Games in Jakarta (August), the World Championships in Nanjing, China (August), the Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok, Thailand (May), and the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia (April).

Malaysia are without a coaching director following Dane Morten Frost’s decision to give up his technical director’s post, which he held from 2015-2017.

The training programme is currently run by five heads – Datuk Misbun Sidek (men’s singles), Datuk Tey Seu Bock (women’s singles), Paulus Firman (men’s doubles), Rosman Razak (women’s doubles) and Pang Cheh Chang (mixed doubles).