Genever sees exciting times ahead for Malaysian squash

Talented: Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi (left) is one of the players Peter Genever has picked out as a potential champion.

KUALA LUMPUR: De­­par­­ting national head coach Peter Genever (pic below) said Malaysian squash can look forward to exciting times ahead.

The Englishman said his successor will be spoilt for choice with the many young talents coming through the ranks.

He pointed out the likes of Asian Junior Team Championship-winning girls’ quartet Aifa Azman, Chan Yiwen, Ooi Kah Yan, Jessica Keng and Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi.

As for the boys, Siow Yee Xian, Duncan Lee, Amir Amirul Azhar and Danial Nurhaqiem are exciting prospects.\

In the younger age groups, there are British Junior Open finalists Aira Azman (girls Under-15) and Harith Danial (boys Under-13) as well as boys’ Under-15 champion C. Ameeshenraj.

“Aifa and Yiwen are both exciting players but Kah Yan and Jessica are really good players with great potential. Then there’s Ainaa.

“It’s the same with the boys in Yee Xian, Duncan, Amir and Danial.

“They’re all going to be contenders at the World Junior Championships (in Bukit Jalil in August) and things are definitely looking good for Malaysia.”

With the big pool of talent, Genever has mixed feelings about leaving Malaysia.

“Obviously, there’s unfinished business here as there are many fine young players coming through which, in an ideal world, I would like to be part of in their development,” added Genever.

Despite the dilemma, Genever said he’s still a family man at heart and with two young boys, he wants to spend more time with them.

“I think I’ve spent a lot of time working in 2017 and 2018 but I’ve got a young family now and my wife, who is a chartered accountant, would like to go back to work in the UK,” said Genever.

“As for me, I’ll take some time to regroup and decide what to do next but I will certainly go back to coaching.”