When contacted yesterday: “Yes, I have met with officials from the NSC and we discussed terms but not the KPI yet, as it is still early stages.”
Arul is tipped to be the next assistant coach to South African Paul Revington, who was also down in Kuala Lumpur recently to discuss with Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) officials.
“I do not know what transpired when Paul met hockey officials, but he has left the country. I’m still around until August, as I took leave from my club to come home for holidays,” said Arul.
After Tai Beng Hai failed to take Malaysia into the Olympics, the MHC started a serious hunt for a foreign coach to change the country’s hockey fortunes.
With South Africa, Revington coached for three years and the South Africans moved up to 10th from 14th in the world rankings, and have now qualified for the London Olympics. South Africa, under Revington, also played in the 2004 Olympics and the 2006 World Cup.
As for former national coach Tai Beng Hai, he has been appointed Coaching Director to oversee junior development until 2021.
Revington and Arul were with Ireland, who also failed to qualify for London as they lost to South Korea in the final.
“I can’t comment too much about this matter yet because I am still waiting for a reply from the relevant bodies. However, it would be good to be back in Malaysia after being away for a long time,” said Arul.
Arul left for South Africa after his attachment with Paul Lissek, and was assistant to Revington. Both of them then moved to Ireland in 2008, and are said to have caught the attention of the MHC because of their dedication and com mitment.
Revington’s contract with the Irish team ends this month, while Arul will have to sort out matters with his club Three Rock Rovers HC.
“I have informed club officials on my discussions in Malaysia, and if I get a contract, it will not be a problem to get a release form my club and concentrate on Malaysia,” said Arul.
