PETALING JAYA: The joint training sessions involving Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and the independent pairs are only expected to take off in January after Rosman Razak takes over from Chin Eei Hui as coach of the independent pairs.
The joint sessions planned on Wednesday and Fridays need to be delayed as the independent pairs may have their own programme to run until the end of the year, said BAM doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Four professional pairs – men’s doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, women’s doubles Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien and mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie – are preparing for the World Tour Finals in Bangkok from Dec 7-11.
Rexy said he had spoken to Rosman a couple of months ago and he was keen on the joint training initiative.
Rosman, who was head coach of the Philippines, has resigned but will continue to coach there until the end of the year.
“I believe we can start the joint sessions from January onwards,” said Rexy.
“I had a talk with Rosman two months ago and he was keen. Once he starts as the independent players’ coach in January, we can have a concrete plan and begin the sessions. As of now, (independent doubles shuttler) Tan Boon Heong is sparring with our players regularly. He has also been sharing his experience as a player with our pairs.”
Rosman confirmed that he will start his duties as coach of the independent pairs on Jan 1.
Eei Hui, on the other hand, has taken up an offer with North Harbour Club in Auckland, New Zealand. She will begin her duties in February.
“It is true that I’m coming back (to Malaysia) in January as the coach of the independent pairs and I am quite positive about the joint training sessions. It will benefit pairs from both sides,” said Rosman.
“Once I’m in KL, I will discuss with my players and get more details on how we can work together (with BAM).”
Besides the four independent pairs who qualified for the World Tour Finals, Rosman will also coach men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Low Juan Shen and Tan Wee Kiong-Tan Kian Meng.
Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See, who quit the national team, are also expected to join Rosman.