MAF put in request for Manshahar replacement – NST

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) are in search of a replacement for former national head coach Manshahar Abdul Jalil, who retired last month.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said MAF coaching and selection committee chairman Datuk Wira Mark Ling made the request for a replacement coach during the MAF-NSC working committee meeting last week.

Manshahar served as national head coach for roughly three-and-a-half years after coming in as a replacement for Zainal Abas, who resigned on Jul 1, 2019.

“We agreed to their request (for a replacement coach). They have suggested a few candidates and want someone who can work well with the other coaches,” said Shapawi when contacted today. However, he declined to reveal the candidates’ names.

Among those believed to be considered for the role is former national long and triple jumper Zaki Sadri.

Zaki, who turns 56 next month, is an eight-time SEA Games gold medallist and is currently head coach of Terengganu.

MAF will need to bring in the new coach, quickly as the Phnom Penh Sea Games (May 5 to May 17) is less then four months away. MAF have set a target of winning 10 gold medals at the games.

The athletics squad returned from the Hanoi SEA Games last year with only five gold from the 46 on offer.

MAF will be hosting the Malaysian Track and Field Championships in Bukit Jalil from Feb 11 to Feb 12. The competition will be used to select the final squad for SEA Games.

NSC will be supporting MAF in organising the event which is expected to cost RM80,000 to run.

By Aftar Singh – January 24, 2023 @ 3:59pm