Zakry to reunite with Rexy and Rosman for BAM homecoming

KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Zakry Latif is set for a homecoming at the BA of Malaysia (BAM), reuniting with former mentors Rexy Mainaky and Rosman Razak after more than a decade away from the national setup.

Zakry, who spent 15 years with BAM as a player from 1996 to 2011, said he did not hesitate when national doubles coaching director Rexy offered him the role of women's doubles assistant coach under Rosman.

The 42-year-old believes the timing is right to give back to the association where he spent almost his entire playing career, after gaining nearly a decade of coaching experience at his own academy and with the national universities team.

"I joined BAM as a 13-year-old junior and progressed all the way to the senior team under Rosman and Rexy," said Zakry.

"To be given the chance to return and serve the nation again is something I'm very grateful for."

A former men's doubles world No. 4 with Fairuzizuan Tazari, Zakry was part of a golden generation that included Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and several top pairs who competed at the highest level on the world stage.

Zakry and Fairuzizuan enjoyed the highlight of their career by winning bronze at the 2009 World Championships in Hyderabad, in addition to claiming four international Open titles.

They also remain the last Malaysian pair to win the prestigious Indonesia Open, widely regarded as one of the toughest tournaments on the BWF circuit, in 2008.

After leaving BAM in 2011, the pair competed as independents for two years before retiring following the 2013 World Championships in Guangzhou, where they reached the last 16.

Despite being a former men's doubles specialist, Zakry said his coaching experience across all disciplines has prepared him for the challenge of working with the women's squad.

"I've handled men's, women's and mixed doubles at the universities level, so there won't be any issues," he said.

"I also have Rosman's guidance, which helps a lot.

"If finalised, Zakry is expected to officially begin his role with BAM next month.