Ajaz is new national squash head coach

KUALA LUMPUR: The newly appointed national squash head coach, Ajaz Azmat and his deputy, Andrew Cross will officially start their new roles effective June 1.

The head coach position has been vacant following Peter Genever’s resignation on Feb 28, this year.

According to a Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) statement, the role of national head coach will be a step up for Pakistan’s Ajaz, who returned for his second stint with SRAM after 2017.

Meanwhile, Cross who has been in Malaysia since 2007, has largely served as the national junior coach and has been integral in Malaysia’s success at major events such as the World Junior Championships, British Junior Open and Asian Junior Championships.

“I’m pleased to announce Ajaz as the head coach and Cross will be his assistant. There were interest from overseas applicants. Unfortunately, we are restricted by budget constraints,” said SRAM director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam.

Maniam said Ajaz will oversee the senior players (men and women) while Cross will take charge of the junior players (boys).

Besides that SRAM is also looking to offer national number one and world number 34, Nafiizwan Adnan a role as men’s coach when the 32year-old eventually decides to call time on his playing career.

“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.

“I am aware that he has already registered for his Level 2 coaching course and that indicates his willingness to take up coaching. But he’s yet to make up his mind as to when,” said Maniam.