KUALA LUMPUR – Whether it is Denmark’s Kenneth Jonassen or Indonesia’s Mulyo Handoyo who takes on the role of Academy Badminton Malaysia’s (ABM) new singles head coach, their first task will be to gain the trust and confidence of the backroom staff.
Without this, the singles department risks becoming fragmented. Currently, the department is relatively small, comprising fewer than ten players across men’s and women’s singles, supported by just four coaches: K. Yogendran, Alvin Chew, Jeffer Rosobin, and Misbun Ramdan.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is set to announce the new singles head coach on November 25, with speculation suggesting Jonassen is the frontrunner. Jonassen has been widely credited with the success of two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and reigning European champion Anders Antonsen.
Historically, Malaysia has relied heavily on local and Asian coaches, particularly from badminton powerhouses such as Indonesia, China, and South Korea.
The only European coach to have worked with Malaysia’s national team is Denmark’s Morten Frost, who had two stints: 1997–2000 and 2015–2017. Frost, now 66, is currently working with Badminton England.
While the incoming coach has been a hot topic among experts and fans, Scoop gathered the perspective of the coaches within the ABM singles department, who will work directly under the new leadership.
Indonesian Jeffer emphasised the importance of collaboration and shared goals for the success of the singles department.
“What’s crucial is that the new head coach shares the same vision and mission with the rest of us. Without that, it will be very difficult to work together,” said the former national junior head coach, who currently coaches women’s singles alongside Misbun Ramdan.
“I have worked with Misbun before in the junior squad, so we have a good understanding. I’m fine with whoever BAM appoints, but we must have open discussions and work as a team.
“I also hope the new head coach will place more emphasis on improving the players’ physical strength, particularly in the women’s singles department,” added Jeffer, who was roped in by BAM last year.
Speaking to Scoop, Alvin said that foreign coaches he has worked with previously were from China and Indonesia as this he has not worked with any European coaches.
“I can’t comment on the differences. But I am looking forward to it because as a coach, I am always eager to explore different approaches and possibilities.
“I think the new head coach will take some time to understand the players and coaches and then communicate with us on how he wants to steer the ship. Communication will be the key to success regardless of the changes (whether big or small), are make in the training.
“I expect the head coach to bring in fresh ideas and perhaps point out any blind spot, that we might have missed, and make the necessary improvement.
“I have never doubted our players’ confidence level as can be seen by Jun Hao’s performance in Japan. But ya, it is better to have a head, so that it is easier for everyone to stay focus,” he said when contacted.
The announcement of a new head coach is seen as an opportunity to rejuvenate the ABM singles department, which is striving to regain its footing on the global stage.
With an experienced and collaborative leader at the helm, the hope is that the department can foster a more cohesive team environment, improve player performance, and reignite Malaysia’s reputation as a badminton powerhouse. — November 18, 2024
