Beng Hai's make-or-break

By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) has received two fresh foreign applications for the national senior team coaching job but the parent body wants to stick with interim chief coach Tai Beng Hai for the time being.
MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad said an Australian and Spaniard have applied for the job but the coaching committee will need to check on their credentials before making a decision.
“As for now, Beng Hai will be given a chance to prove himself. The Azlan Shah Cup (April 3-12) will be his first test,” said Nur Azmi yesterday.
“Beng Hai will be a strong candidate for the chief coaching job if the team does well in the tournament. The new applicants are high level coaches but they are not in the same league as the previous candidates we had approached.”
Several foreign names were linked to the coaching job since last November but none materialised.
Nur Azmi said after the Azlan Shah Cup, the team will be evaluated and changes will be made if needed.
“We don’t expect the team to play like champions in the Azlan Shah as the tournament is only to gauge the team’s strength before the Asia Cup in Dubai (May 8-15).”
“The prime target is to win the Asia Cup as the champions will qualify automatically for the 2010 World Cup.” he said.
Nur Azmi also said Beng Hai is also free to request from the association additional help to prepare the team for both tournaments.
“Beng Hai has Nur Saiful Zaini and Lailin Abu Hassan as assistants but if he wants, he can recommend other local coaches to further assist him.”
“I’m sure it will not be problem, even with paymasters the National Sports Council (NSC).” he added.