Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Revington to stay on..

SOUTH African Paul Revington has agreed to stay on as national coach until his two-year contract expires.
  After meeting Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, he walked out smiling.
  "I cant say much right now, as the MHC will send out release on the meeting soon," was all he said.
  And the MHC release by secretary Johari Aziz, two paragraphs in all stated: "The Malaysian Hockey Confederation are pleased to inform that Paul Revington will remain as national coach as stipulated in his contract.
  "The MHC is delighted with his decision to carry on, and look forward to Revington taking Malaysian Hockey to a greater height."
  He started work on August 22 last year, and has a two-year contract, with an option to renew for another two years.
  Also at the meeting yesterday were team manager George Koshy, MHC deputy president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad and National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong.
  The South African almost quit two weeks before the start of the World League Semi-finals in Johor Baru, after he was embroiled in a "multi-cornered battle" off the pitch since the Azlan Shah Cup.
  It is said that some meddling officials had made his job uphill and that is why he took suck a drasic stand.
  After helping Malaysia to finish fifth in the World League, Revington will see no rest as the focus is now on the Asia Cup in Ipoh on Aug 24 to Sept 1, as the gold medalists will play in the World Cup on merit.
  Malaysia are third reserves for the World Cup and their fate in that path to the World Cup rests with the Continental Qualifiers.
 In the Asia Cup, the battle for gold is expected to be intense, as none of the Asian teams have qualified for the World Cup on merit yet.
  In the Asia Cup, Malaysia are in Group A with Taiwan, Pakistan and Japan, while Group B consists of South Korea, India, Bangladesh and Oman.
  The MHC are arranging for a press conference today, so that Revington himself can answer to some buring questions which need attention.

Ironing out issues..

In the New Straits Times today..

PAUL Revington will meet with Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today to decide on his coaching future with the national team.
The South African, who almost quit two weeks before the start of the World League Semi-finals in Johor Baru, has been embroiled in a "multi-cornered battle" off the pitch since the Azlan Shah Cup.
Some meddling officials are said to have made his task very difficult on many matters.
Revington was expected to pack his bags and move on by this week, but according to an official, the outcome of today's meeting should be favourable.
"Initially, there were some whispers that Revington would pack his bags by this week and leave Malaysia. However, the meeting with Tengku Abdullah is expected to iron out some crucial issues that have been hampering his training and also his long-term plans for the team.
"And as of now, it looks like we will have him until his two-year contract expires," said the official who declined to be named.
Revington was hired last September after Malaysia went on a coach-hunt when the team's Olympic Qualifier campaign in Dublin, Ireland, fell flat.
But he shocked the nation by sending in a resignation letter via e-mail just days after naming the team for the World League.
Right now, Malaysia's focus is on the Asia Cup in Ipoh on Aug 24 to Sept 1, as the gold medallists will play in the World Cup on merit.
Malaysia, after finishing fifth in the World League, have been placed as third reserves for the World Cup and their fate in that path to the World Cup rests with the Continental Qualifiers.
"The coach has had some meetings with those who are keen to see him stay on and help Malaysia make an impact on the Asia Cup," the official added.
"And if all the issues can be resolved tomorrow, he will not abandon ship when the team need him most."
With five of the national players in Kazan, Russia, for the University Games, the remaining players will undergo gym training this week to boost their fitness ahead of the plan to wrest the Asia Cup gold medal from the hands of India, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan -- as none of the Asian teams have qualified on merit yet.
In the Asia Cup, Malaysia are in Group A with Taiwan, Pakistan and Japan, while Group B consists of South Korea, India, Bangladesh and Oman.