PETALING JAYA: The torch has been passed to Misbun Ramdan to continue the legacy of the Sidek family as a national badminton coach.
And father and legendary Datuk Misbun Sidek can’t wait to see his second son step out of the shadows of the more illustrious Sidek clans – in this prominent role.
The 34-year-old Ramdan has been named as one of the women’s singles senior coaches with Jeffer Rosobin under the leadership of national coaching director Rexy Mainaky in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set-up.
Ramdan is currently with Indonesian Jeffer in the ongoing World Junior Championships in China, and had been with the junior side since July last year as the girls’ singles coach.
Both Jeffer and Ramdan will be placed under a new head coach, who may handle either one or both the men and women’s singles departments.
Rexy will announce the man for the hotseat after finalising the names on his candidates’ list, which includes Mulyo Handoyo of Indonesia and Denmark’s Kenneth Jonassen.
The women’s singles is one of Malaysia’s weakest departments as there have not been big talents since the past few eras of Woon Sze Mei, Ng Mee Fen, the Wong sisters - Miew Kheng and Mew Choo - Tee Jing Yi , Sonia Cheah and Goh Jin Wei.
The promotion to the senior squad under the new coaching structure is a big step for Ramdan but Misbun has full faith in the 2012 national men’s singles champion.
“I’m not only saying this as his father but Ramdan has all the credentials to be a good coach. He did well during his junior days and was a national champ,” said Misbun.
“He has the coaching certification and has gained a lot of experience over the years. After all, he has been with me all the time.”
Besides Misbun, all his uncles - Jalani, Razif, Rashid and Rahman - have also dabbled in playing and coaching over the years with all achieving their own successes.
Ramdan was one of the talents in the country from 2012-2014 before an Archilles injury in 2014 put paid to his hopes. He never really recovered after the surgery but decided to turn his focus to coaching.
Ramdan was hired by the BAM junior set-up when Misbun was the national junior coaching director but the latter left last year when his contract was ended prematurely.
“As a coach, Ramdan has been overshadowed at times but I’ve seen how he connects with his players. He has the skills, character and charm to lead this generation of players to the fore,” said Misbun.
“He has been playing badminton since he was seven, all his life really. He has good communication skill and can easily win his players’ hearts without discouraging them, and I think that’s a gift.
“He still spars with the players, which is important.
“I’ve taught him everything I know and given him the best support and knowledge of the game. It’s his time to bloom,” added the 64-year-old Misbun, who is the founder of professional club Nusa Mahsuri.
