MHF still keen on foreign coach

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will make a concrete stand on a foreign coach when its management committee meets on Dec 13.
At yesterday's annual general meeting in Kuantan, it was decided that a foreign coach, if possible, be hired as Malaysia have four major tournaments next year.
"We have a few foreign coaches in mind and a decision will be made when the management committee meets. The national team will be playing in the AHF Champions Trophy, the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Azlan Shah Cup next year and we need to prepare early," said MHF vice-president Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema.
Tai Beng Hai has been interim coach for the past one year, while the MHF looked for a suitable candidate.
On another matter, the MHF council decided to reverse the coaching committee's decision to allow national coaches at the various age groups to coach Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division teams.
"The coaching committee (chaired by Dr Balbir Singh) had suggested that national coaches be allowed to coach club teams, but the council decided otherwise.
"We felt that it would be better for the national coaches to remain on the sidelines and conduct talent-scouting rather than be directly involved in the MHL," said Cheema.
MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah also decided there be a random dope-testing conducted during the MHL.