PETALING JAYA: Sarawak United will go through a coaching change midway in the Super League season.
The Golden Hornbills revealed that B. Sathianathan (pic) has resigned due to health issues.
In a statement released by the club, they said the 64-year-old coach needs constant monitoring and follow-up treatments.
When contacted, Sathianathan did not divulge on his illness and only said that he will be back.
S. Balachandran, a former Malaysia Under-16 coach and national assistant coach, will take over the post but he has his hands full as the Borneo club are struggling in 11th position out of 12 teams.
On Sunday, they were thrashed 0-7 by Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
Balachandran’s baptism of fire will be an away game against Melaka on June 25.
“To handle the squad in the middle of the season, and with the state they are in, it will be a tremendous challenge. From what I can see, their form has not been encouraging,” he said.
“Right now the main priority is to take them out of the relegation zone.”
When queried if he would sign new players before the second transfer window closes in six days, he said it would be discussed with the management.
“But against Melaka, we’ll make do with what we have. I want to bring in some tactical changes to ensure they will bounce back.
“This is a good opportunity for me to show that I have what it takes to be a top-flight coach. I’ve been with the national set-up for a long time, so I know that would help me.
“In any environment, the pressure is always there but I’m up for this challenge.”
Balachandran was instrumental in taking Malaysia to the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-16 Championship in 2014.
He was also a key staff during Tan Cheng Hoe’s time as the national coach from 2018 to 2022.
