A legend to coach Malaysia

22/07/1997

SIGNING up a 60-year-old to coach a national team is certain to raise many
eyebrows but that was exactly what the National Sports Council (NSC) did
for netball.
The sexagenarian, Enid Browne, is from Trinidad and Tobago and has been
assigned to shape the Malaysian challenge for the Kuala Lumpur
Commonwealth Games next year.
Malaysian Netball Association (MNA) president Norminshah Sabirin said
Enid was the most suitable for the task from the many applicants,
including coaches from Germany and England, that they and the NSC had
screened.
"We had many applicants to choose from. We found Enid to be the most
suitable one," said Norminshah.
And with good reason.
Age factor apart, Enid's wealth of experience was something that the MNA
and NSC are looking forward to tap.
And certainly, she is by far more youthful than her age suggests. Enid
was surprisingly fit and alert.
In Enid, Malaysia have hired a legend who has her own spot at Trinidad
and Tobago Hall of Fame for her contributions as a player and coach.
"I skippered the Trinidad and Tobago national side from 1964 to 1973. I
also received the highest award for female athlete in my country," said
Enid.
Under her guidance, Trinidad and Tobago finished joint second with
Australia at the recent World Championships in Scotland where New Zealand
emerged as champions.
She has also coached numerous primary and secondary schools in her
country. "When I coach a school, they always end up as national
champions."
"But I must say that Jaya '98 Project (for the Commonwealth Games)
trainees are very raw. All I can do right now is to whip them into a
respectable side before the Games begin."
Enid and local coach Doresia Lomongkok from Sabah will have their hands
full until the Games.
"The National Netball Tournament on July 26-29 at the Stadium Negara
court will also be a selection platform for '98 trainees. The Jaya '98
team will break camp and play for their respective States at the national
tournament.
"It will be a good place to find fresh talent.
"The final selections for the Games will be held in October. The
trainees should not take their positions for granted," said Enid.
(END)