Soon ready for the task
NEWLY appointed Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) coaching committee chairman Soon Mustafa is game to take on the challenge of charting the sport’s future.
The two-time Olympian (1984 Los Angeles and 1992 Barcelona) said even though he has limited coaching experience, he has many ideas on how to improve the sport.
“I will meet Terry Walsh (MHC Technical Director) soon to discuss some matters and get down to work after that. I have experienced playing at the highest level and know what it takes to reach there.
“So, even though I have limited coaching experience, I can contribute fresh ideas with the help of my committee members,” said Soon, 54.
Welsh is also on his committe. Soon said that previous chairman Datuk Ow Soon Kooi also did not have a coaching background, but ran the committee very well.
“Ow is the same as me, both of us have limited coaching experience but Ow proved himself when the men’s and women’s teams improved tremendously in a short span.
“I have a strong committee from various background and we will work together to first impress at the Asia Cup and then the Commonwealth Games in preparation for the all-important Asian Games,” said Soon.
The Asia Cup will be held in Dhaka in October where ranking points will be on offer. India are the only team higher ranked than Malaysia, while South Korea, Pakistan, China and Japan have slipped below in the latest International Hockey Federation rankings.
“We have to strengthen the ranking (at 12th presently) at the Asia Cup, as it would be valuable in the World League qualifier for the Olympics.
“There is much more to be done, but I’m up to the challenge and will use the experience I gained playing for the country to help further improve the men’s and women’s teams,” said Soon.
Soon, who retired with 185 caps also played in two Asian Games and one Champions Trophy.
Two women were included in the coaching committee to strenghten the women’s team and they are Nuriza Sulaiman and former national skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman.
Soon Mustafa;
Datuk Najmi Razak (MHC Independent Member).
Terry Walsh (MHC Technical Director), Alan Black (Coaching director, National Sports Institute), Tai Beng Hai (Development director), Yahya Atan (1Mas women head coach), V. Muralee Vasuthevan (Ministry of Education), Nuriza Sulaiman (Development coach, Pahang), Nadia Abdul Rahman (Ex-national captain). Jugjet Singh