Norza wants Soon Kit to find able replacement for Jeremy

PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia ( BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria wants men’s doubles head coach Cheah Soon Kit to step up the hunt for Jeremy Gan’s replacement.

The 38-year-old Jeremy, who served BAM for 15 years, tendered his resignation last week and is serving out a three-month notice before parting ways.

“I met Soon Kit on Monday because I wanted to know what are his intentions and plans to replace Jeremy,” said Norza.

“He told me he wants a local coach and I agree with him. But I want him to draw up a few names for us as soon as possible.

“Although Jeremy is serving a threemonth notice, we cannot wait that long since we have 22 men’s doubles players and the only coaches we have now are Soon Kit and Rosman (Razak).

“But I understand that it’s also important for Soon Kit to get someone he can work well with. The chemistry between the head coach and his assistants is very important.”

Norza also did not rule out the possibility that a coach from the Purple League could be roped into the national set-up.

This is because six Petaling Badminton Club (PBC) players – Chen Tang Jie, Man Wei Chong, Kwek Yee Jian, Soh Wooi Yik, Tan Chee Tean and Ian Wong – were brought into the national set-up this week.

“I will still leave it to Soon Kit to assess his options. What’s important is that our preparations for next year are not affected,” said Norza.

“Right now, our main concern is to oversee the transition of the new pairs of Goh V Shem-Teo Ee Yi and Tan Wee Kiong-Ong Yew Sin.”

Besides the two new partnerships, the other fixed pairs are world No. 27 Low Juan Shen-Chooi Kah Ming and world No. 39 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.