PETALING JAYA: National junior doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang remained tight-lipped over speculation that he could be promoted to take charge of the senior mixed doubles squad.
Cheh Chang, who was approached after the national team’s training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday, declined to comment and said the matter should be left to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“I have no comment. Just wait for the announcement from BAM,” said Cheh Chang.
The 52-year-old confirmed that he has been helping with the senior squad since last week to ease the coaching shortage after newly-appointed Teo Kok Siang accompanied the national players to the China Masters.
That left Lutfi Zaim to oversee the rest of the squad training at ABM, with Cheh Chang stepping in to assist. He added that he still has duties with the junior squad.
Cheh Chang has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Nova Widianto, who stepped down in July due to family commitments.
It would not be Cheh Chang’s first stint with the senior mixed doubles squad, having previously taken charge in 2018 after replacing Chin Eei Hui.
He was later moved to the junior squad in 2019.
Meanwhile, BAM clarified that they have yet to appoint a head coach for the national mixed doubles department.
“BAM wish to clarify that no appointment has been finalised for the position of head coach of the national mixed doubles department.
“The association are still in the process of evaluating and vetting the candidates under consideration.
“BAM will make an official announcement once the appointment has been finalised.”
