Razif Sidek Calls for High Performance Director to Lead BAM’s Coaching Teams
The Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) recent decision to restructure its coaching setup is a wise move, but it should appoint a High Performance Director to lead the coaching teams for both the singles and doubles departments, said national badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek.
The Need for a High Performance Director
Razif believes that having a High Performance Director would not only support the country’s coaching lineup but also further enhance the performance of Malaysia’s badminton squad.
"Looking at BAM’s current coaching structure, I believe there is a need for a High Performance Director to oversee the national coaching team. From what I see, they have head coaches for both the singles and doubles departments, but who will oversee both of these departments?" he said.
"That is why I think BAM should consider reinstating the position of High Performance Director, as it had done before," he told Bernama.
Current Coaching Lineup
Prior to this, the national badminton governing body finalised its key coaching appointments by naming Kenneth Jonassen as the Singles Coaching Director, while Rexy Mainaky will now focus entirely on his role as the Doubles Coaching Director.
BAM’s Decision
Acting BAM president Datuk V Subramaniam stated that the decision was made after careful consideration to optimise coaching expertise and enhance player development across all levels.
Requirements for a High Performance Director
Razif emphasized that if BAM intends to appoint a High Performance Director, the chosen individual must possess expertise in both the singles and doubles sectors.
"The person appointed must be well-versed in both areas. If they only specialise in one department, I believe there will be issues in the long run.
"Additionally, they should also be knowledgeable about the latest developments in badminton, both domestically and internationally," he said.
Previous Holders of the Position
For the record, among those who have previously held the position of BAM’s High Performance Director are former national player Datuk James Selvaraj and Dr Tim Jones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the appointment of a High Performance Director would be a step in the right direction for BAM, as it would provide a unified leadership and expertise to both the singles and doubles departments. This would ultimately lead to improved performance and better results for Malaysia’s badminton team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current coaching setup in BAM?
A: The current coaching setup in BAM consists of head coaches for both the singles and doubles departments.
Q: Why does Razif Sidek think BAM should appoint a High Performance Director?
A: Razif believes that a High Performance Director would provide a unified leadership and expertise to both the singles and doubles departments, leading to improved performance and better results for Malaysia’s badminton team.
Q: Who have previously held the position of BAM’s High Performance Director?
A: Among those who have previously held the position of BAM’s High Performance Director are former national player Datuk James Selvaraj and Dr Tim Jones.