PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are on the lookout for a new coach who not only brings experience but can also work seamlessly with the existing coaching team and players to strengthen the national squad.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen acknowledged that several names have already been linked to the BAM coaching line-up, particularly within the singles squad.
Among those previously mentioned was former Lee Zii Jia’s coach Yeoh Kay Bin, a name confirmed by BAM Performance Committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei as one of the candidates under consideration.
Now, another potential candidate has emerged, with Indonesian men’s singles assistant coach Harry Hartono also being linked to the national set-up.
Jonassen, however, declined to comment on specific names, saying the evaluation and interview process is still ongoing and no final decisions have been made.
While remaining tight-lipped about the new appointment, the Dane stressed that BAM are looking for a quality coach who can not only share experience as a former player but also help elevate the performance of Malaysia’s top shuttlers.
“I’m not going to comment. I think I was the one who started the rumours, but it’s not really a rumour we are starting. I’m very excited about the line-up of coaches I believe we can assemble.
“As I said last time, I’ve structured a pathway for all our players to have access to experienced and quality coaches to guide them through the different phases, from a young player to potentially a top player.
“In that sense, you need good quality coaches, and I think when we finally announce the names, it will be a strong line-up for us. I’m very excited about the future.
“I think there are quite a number of factors, but mainly experience working with that specific group could be one of them.
“It could also be experience as a former player or experience working abroad. I’m just listing everything, so it’s impossible for you guys to find out the names,” said Jonassen.
So far, the coaching reshuffle in the singles squad has seen Datuk Tey Seu Bock, who previously led the junior team, promoted to take charge of the senior squad.
