SRAM looking for new coaches with Raymond leaving the set-up

KUALA LUMPUR: The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) intend to hire two more coaches to bolster their coaching stables.

SRAM are shorthanded in the coaching department with Raymond Arnold, the longest serving coach in the national set-up, set to quit at the end of the month.

The 58-year-old Raymond, who has been with SRAM for 22 years, will join the SRA of Federal Territories (SRAFT) in January.

His departure means SRAM are left with just Peter Genever, Ong Beng Hee, Mika Monto, Andrew Cross and Shahril Shahidan in the coaching department.

Earlier in May, Irish coach Ken Flynn also resigned from the national set-up.

“Raymond has served diligently for so many years. He’s a dedicated coach but I guess he has reached a stage where he wanted a little more time to relax,” said SRAM director of coaching Major (rtd) S. Maniam.

“I’m sad to see him go because I was the one who got him involved in coaching in 1994. But we’ll have to bid him a fond farewell.

“As for replacements, we have a list of local and foreign coaches and we’ll see who fits the bill.

“We need a senior team coach, as well as a junior and development coach – preferably those who have experience and are already involved in coaching would be excellent.

“Any former national players who are keen to take up this challenge can also contact me,” added Maniam.

Malaysia has always struggled to retain local coaches, with the long hours and unattractive salary a major factor.

Many former players have instead looked for more lucrative opportunities overseas.

Among the Malaysian coaches who are based overseas are Choong Kam Hing (Singapore), Matthew Wong (Myanmar), Kenneth Low (Thailand) and Lim Chee Ming (Macau).

Former national player Valentino Bon Jovi Bong, who was dropped from the national setup earlier this year, will also take up a coaching post in the Philippines in January.