By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop
NIBONG TEBAL, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Young and capable. That’s how the Penang men’s sepak takraw squad are rated, as they embark on their two-gold mission at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak.
The 14 players in the team are aged 16 to 21 and only one has SUKMA experience, but coach Mohamad Fazil Mohd Asri feels they are good enough for at least two gold medals.
Mohamad Fazil and Ahmad Rahimi Azizan assist head coach Ahmad Supian Napiah in training the squad, comprising mostly students and former students of the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Mutiara Impian sports school here.
"They are young, so I told them not to feel pressured on court. Changing their mindset to focus on delivering a beautiful game is important. I want them to play without pressure,” said Mohamad Fazil, 35, a former national player.
"I also emphasise the need to use our tekong as a lethal service ‘weapon’ as many states are now strong in this department. But we have a special tactic up our sleeves,” he told Bernama when met at a training session at SMK Mutiara Impian.
Mohamad Fazil, who has been coaching the Penang SUKMA squad since 2016, reckons that the competition this year will be stiffer.
He said the squad had participated in local and international competitions as part of their preparations for SUKMA.
"The three-stage selection process began last year, and the final squad has been training together since last month.
“Our players are in good condition and although several other states have improved, Penang has the edge in terms of composition, strategy and tactics,” he added.
Penang sepak takraw team manager Mohd Shaherman Shafie said the team of 14 men’s and 14 women’s players would participate in all four categories - Regu Trios, Regu Doubles, Regu Team Trios and Quadrant in this SUKMA.
"The State Sports Council’s target is two golds and based on current developments in the local sepak takraw scene, I believe this is achievable.
“For the women’s team, we aim for one medal because our research shows that the competition in women’s categories is stronger, especially with the presence of Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
In the last SUKMA, the Penang men’s squad won one gold in regu and one bronze in the team event while the women’s squad returned home empty-handed.
A total of eight gold medals are up for grabs in the sepak takraw competition, which be held at Stadium Muhibbah Bintulu from Aug 14 to 23.
-- BERNAMA
