Why Rashid reckons Seu Bock fits the bill for senior singles job

KUALA LUMPUR: It is encouraging to see the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) placing greater emphasis on homegrown coaches as it steps up its push for the country's first Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The presence of Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei as BAM's performance committee chairman appears to have opened the door for the promotion of Tey Seu Bock as the national senior men's singles coach.

Seu Bock, who has been coaching since 1997, previously assisted former national head coach Misbun Sidek between 2003 and 2010.

He also coached Chong Wei alongside Datuk Rashid Sidek from 2011-2015.

Two other former internationals, Yeoh Kay Bin and Zakry Latif, both part of the senior squad during Chong Wei's peak years, are also set to join the national coaching set-up.

Kay Bin, who will part ways with independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia after next week's Malaysia Open following a year-long stint as his coach, is expected to take over Seu Bock's role as junior coach.

Zakry, a former men's doubles world No. 4 with Fairuzizuan Tazari, is likely to be appointed assistant to national women's doubles head coach Rosman Razak.

Rashid, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bronze medallist, welcomed the decision to re-designate Seu Bock as senior coach, citing his vast experience working with elite players over nearly three decades.

"Seu Bock has so much experience and knowledge, having worked with Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and many other top shuttlers in the national team," said Rashid.

"It is a good move to promote him as the senior singles coach.

"In fact, Seu Bock coached me when I was with Nusa Mahsuri in 1997, where his excellent multi-shuttle drill sessions were an essential part of my daily training.

"He further honed his coaching expertise under Misbun and the late Indra Gunawan at BAM, and both of us also coached Chong Wei for several years.

"It is only natural for Chong Wei to suggest Seu Bock to singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen to guide the senior players.

"He commands respect from the players because of his experience and should have no problem executing the training programme effectively."

It is understood that Seu Bock has already begun guiding Leong Jun Hao and other senior shuttlers, alongside K. Yogendran and Alvin Chew.

Rashid was also pleased that BAM is offering Kay Bin and Zakry opportunities to serve the national team.

"Kay Bin and Zakry have been building their coaching credentials for more than 10 years now, and it is pleasing to see local coaches like them being considered by BAM," he said.

"It proves that we do have quality homegrown coaches."

Zakry is currently coaching the Malaysian Universities men's doubles team, while Rashid is in charge of the singles squad.

Kay Bin and Zakry are expected to begin their respective duties next month.