THE Razak Cup, which starts tomorrow, could be V. Muraleedharan's (pic) last assignment as national junior coach.The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), disappointed with the juniors' performance in several recent tournaments, will sit on Aug 16 to decide on the new direction of the team in preparing for the Junior World Cup scheduled for June 7-21 next year.
MHF secretary Hashim Mohd Yusoff said pro-active measures will definitely be implemented to revive the team.
"We are not happy at all. I'm not sure if Muraleedharan's job will still be secure after the council meeting as his position as coach will definitely be discussed," said Hashim at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"We have less than a year to prepare the players for the Junior World Cup."If new blood should be injected and coaches be replaced, then we will go ahead.
"The Junior World Cup will be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore.Muraleedharan, who was appointed juniors' coach last December, has been in the limelight for the wrong reasons.
Many have criticised the team's performance after the shocking defeats to Austria, Poland and Belgium in last month's Europe Tour.
The final straw came when the team drew 2-2 with Singapore at the recent Junior Asia Cup where they finished fifth overall.
Meanwhile, Hashim said Kedah, Pahang and Terengganu were fined RM500 each for pulling out from the Razak Cup.
