Speedy Tigers hunt with a leading pack, thanks to Arul

PETALING JAYA: Former international A. Arulselvaraj, who led the Speedy Tigers to their first ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, is one who believes in collective leadership.

When he returned home after almost 15 years of plying his trade in Europe to take over as coach from Roelant Oltmans in November, 2020, he saw the need for leadership.

And he mooted the out-of-the box idea to creating the “Leadership Group”, with a core group of eight players.

Their job was not only to be key players but also to get involved in the management of the team and guide the younger players in achieving the team’s goals.

For now, the Leadership Group consists of goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, defenders Marhan Jalil, Razie Rahim and Najmi Farizal Jazlan as well as midfielders Faiz Helmi Jali, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi, Meor Azuan Hazuan Hassan and Firhan Ashaari

Arul said the leadership group was a committed bunch who are trustworthy, responsible and work hard to be the right role models for the others.

“When I returned, something different was expected of me due to my working experience in Europe. The word I constantly heard was ‘no leadership’. So I decided to tackle that problem right away,” said Arul.

“We needed a group of leaders who could give their input in training, in match analysis and training schedules. Their views are taken into consideration in finalising test matches or friendly matches.

“They play an active role in ensuring the team’s philosophies are understood and followed.

“Above all, they set the right examples. They need to be on time for training, give their best, eat well, rest well to become role models.”

Each player from the leadership group has his own sub-group where they are encouraged to have regular discussions so every player knows the progress of the team.

The eight, however, do not get preferential treatment or become automatic choices for any particular tournament or tour.

“The first message the Leadership Group has to spread is that every squad member is equal and get opportunities on merit,” said Arul.

“Even if any of the eight are not playing, they will work to keep the younger players and newcomers motivated.”

The captain of the team is chosen from this group, which serves as a link between the coaching and support teams and the players.

Nik Aiman, 26, in the youngest member of the group while Razie, 35, is the oldest.

Najmi, at 27 one of the youngest in the leadership group, said discipline, trust and unity supercedes everything.

“The eight of us respect and trust each other. Reputation, number of caps or experience are no hindrance. We work as one,” said Najmi, who resumed captaincy at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in the absence of regular skipper Marhan.

“We have to be disciplined and work hard as we need to lead by example.”

Any member of the group can opt out if he is unable to handle the responsibilities and can even be dropped if he slacks in training, tournaments or faces disciplinary issues.

So far, though, nothing like that has happened. The system is working fine and the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is proof that Arul’s idea was an inspired on.