SRAM to rehire Ajaz as coach of national team

PETALING JAYA: Pakistani Ajaz Azmat will return to coach the Malaysian squash team again.

The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) have lined up Ajaz as the replacement for Finnish coach Mika Monto.

The 41-year-old Monto, who joined the national set-up in 2015, tendered his resignation earlier this month. He will officially leave on June 30.

The 39-year-old Ajaz was the national coach from 2004-2010 before taking up an offer in the United States.

Ajaz, who helped developed the likes of Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan and Ivan Yuen during his stint in Malaysia, is expected to start work in May.

“I would like to thank Mika for his services. At the same time I’m also looking forward to Ajaz’s return,” said SRAM director Mejar (Rtd) S. Maniam.

“I’ve worked with Ajaz in the past and I’m impressed with his abilities as a coach. The National Sports Council (NSC) are in the midst of drawing up his contract,” added Maniam.

There is still a coaching vacancy following former international Raymond Arnold’s departure last December.

SRAM are also searching for a general manager as Christopher Brodie resigned last month. Christopher, a Sarawakian, will, however, remain as the honorary secretary.