Arul, who is also the head coach for UniKL Hockey Club, was lambasted by Old La Sallians Association of Klang (OLAK-PKT) team manager Joseph de Silva, who claimed that his players were almost pinched in an unethical man ner.
De Silva said Arul, in a telephone conversation, had asked for three of his best Olak boys to play for UniKL in Division One of the Malaysia Hockey League which begins on March 16 with the final slated for May 18.
The Olak team manager felt it was unethical for a national juniors coach to also scout for players for his club, as there might be conflict of interest later.
“A few years back, the coaching committee was of the opinion that national juniors coaches should not coach club sides, but we have changed our stand last year and now they are allowed,” said Manjit.
Manjit and his committee are of the opinion that since there is no clause stopping a juniors coach to coach a club in his contract, they should be no problems arising at this point.
“I think the misunderstanding among a club coach and Arul should be settled by holding a joint-discussion with the competitions committee.
“The competitions committee can answer questions on this matter, and they can also advise all the clubs on what do when such a matter arises in future,” said Manjit.
Arul had said: “"I'm a professional, so even though I coach a club side, I will only pick the best when it comes for national duty and there is no conflict of interest between selection for my club or my country.”
However, since the matter has been brought up by de Silva, Olak manager since 1995, the relevant bodies must make sure that player-pinching at the highest level does not happen.
“No doubt, schools and then clubs are the ones who nurture and turn players into national material, and so when their boys get pinched there is bound to be some issues. But lets work together for the sake of the country,” said Manjit.
