Brace for the best: Leong Jun Hao will lead the squad for the Sudirman Cup.
PETALING JAYA: Being patient is hard when others are expecting quick results but Kenneth Jonassen is taking it in his stride.
Just four months after arriving in Malaysia, his role has changed from the singles coach to singles coaching director.
The scope is larger but the Dane sees good in everything.
In order to strengthen the department, he needs another coach following the departure of Jeffer Rosobin of Indonesia, who did exceptionally well to raise the standard of junior players before he was moved as the women’s singles coach in the senior team.
“We’re looking for another coach to join the singles setup but I’ve patience, as we need to find the right candidate and solution for the team,” said Jonassen.
The depleted women’s side include the two players K. Letshanaa (world No. 52) and Wong Ling Ching (92).
Jonassen said he was on a mission to replenish the team with potential players but admit it would not be an easy task.
“I’m still in the process of identifying potential players but here I’m quite reserved as I need to see more from everyone before I open that door,” said Jonassen.
“I’m focused and interested in looking at long-term potential players as the level we are up against is extremely high and competition is fierce.
“This means that each talented player, has to be or have the ability to develop further. Or let’s call it the total package of each player must be big.”
Jonassen pointed out that finding a total package player was not as simple as it sounds but complicated as it touched on different variables.
Despite the complicity in bringing back the glory days of Malaysia in the singles, Kenneth remains upbeat with the job away from home.
“For sure, it’s full of challenges but there are new opportunities to learn too,” he said.
“Working with many different groups of players (different ages and gender) with almost the same desire to make something for themselves, together with a team of coaches willing to go that extra mile, is needed to achieve anything is this world.”
While focusing on establishing the foundation, Jonassen is also looking at preparing the current group of players for international events.
With the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, up next from April 27-May 4, Kenneth knows it will not be a walk in the park for Malaysia led by Leong Jun Hao.
“China are still the team to beat, they don’t really have weaknesses and also have the depth to add spice into their line-up.
“And of course, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan are also very dangerous.”
