TM: Support Revington

By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@mediaprima.com.my
MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has reminded those in the hockey fraternity to give undivided support to national coach Paul Revington ahead of next month’s Asian Cup, which is a World Cup Qualifier.
The South Africa coach decided to serve out his two-year contract after having a heart-to-heart talk with Tengku Abdullah in Ampang on Tuesday.
Revington had threatened to quit before the recent World League Semi-Finals in Johor Baru after claiming that "outside interference," and a threatening email had made his stay in Malaysia uncomfortable for the past six months.
He had received the email from 1Mas project director Lim Chiow Chuan on March 23, while he claimed that Juniors coach K. Dharmaraj have been interfering in his job scope.
However, Revington relented and continued to coach the team for the World League but refused to commit his future not before the meeting on Tuesday.
“I hope everyone will cooperate with Revington as he is determined to see Malaysia qualify for the World Cup,” said Tengku Abdulllah after the FA of Malaysia executive council meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“Revington did not state conditions. He will continue with no added clause. It proves he is totally committed to his job.”
Tengku Abdullah now hopes everyone will forget about the issue and focus on the future.
“What is important is that Revington has decided to stay on and is focused on his job. Everyone is happy including the national trainees,” he said.
Under Revington, Malaysia have made progress in the game and may not even have to win the Asian Cup to qualify for next year’s World Cup in the Netherlands if those, who have qualified through the World League win their respective continental competitions.
His service is crucial as the team are likely to make their first appearance in the World Cup since 2002. Malaysia last played in the Olympics in the 2000 Sydney edition.
“Revington is confident with his team. He felt, if he had left, it would be tough for the team to prepare for the Asian Cup,” Tengku Abdullah added.