PIC: Nasihin Nubli (in blue) will coach the women's team.FORMER national goalkeeper Nasihin Nubli has been named the chief coach of the national women's senior team, replacing Yahya Atan, who has been promoted to high performance director.
Prior to this appointment, Nasihin had been assisting Yahya since 2007.
Malaysian Women's Hockey Association (MWHA) secretary S. Shamala said Yahya will be in charge of both the national development and the 1MAS programmes.
"Yahya's experience is needed to ensure that the many tiers of national teams are formed and developed for the future," said Shamala yesterday.
"His first assignment will be to mould a national under-21 team for next year's Junior World Cup Qualifiers.
" The association will also work together with the Education Ministry to ensure our grassroot programmes take off well."
Nasihin's first task as the national coach will be the Champions Challenge 2, scheduled for Vienna on May 7-15. Malaysia are drawn in Group B with Belgium, Russia and Belarus while Group A comprises Chile, Canada, Italy and Austria.
Shamala believes the team, who have been in centralised training since last month, are good for the semi-finals.
"The association has arranged friendly matches with clubs from Japan and also national teams from Europe prior to the Champions Challenge 2," she added. -- AJITPAL SINGH
