PETALING JAYA: Former national coach Datuk Misbun Sidek could soon be back in the BA of Malaysia’s (BAM) fold.
That is, if he decides to accept the offer from the BAM to come on board as the national coaching director.
Misbun’s name was repeatedly brought up during the BAM’s Corporate Skills and Research (CSR) meeting chaired by president Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff last month.
Even world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has voiced his opinion that Misbun should be brought back.
BAM general manager Kenny Goh confirmed that he is in the midst of drafting an offer letter for Misbun.
“During the CSR meeting, Misbun’s name was repeatedly brought up and the decision was that the president, Tengku Mahaleel, would speak to him first,” said Kenny.
“Of course, nothing is confirmed as of now … we don’t even know if he’s interested in returning to BAM.
“That’s why this offer is being drafted to see if he’s interested in returning. As of now, there have been no discussions between BAM and Misbun yet.”
It would be a big boost for the flailing national team if Misbun were to return.
But it will not be easy to persuade him to return. Misbun walked out of BAM in 2011 because he was unhappy with several decisions made by the coaching and training committee (CNT).
Since then, Misbun has been largely elusive although he has been coaching his son, Misbun Ramdan, who also left BAM last year.
Malaysia definitely need a man who is capable of charting the sport's future, especially since BAM have already missed out on badminton legends Morten Frost and Park Joo-bong.
