MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has not denied the possibility that a foreign coach could helm the national hockey squad.

He, however, added that no decision had yet been taken on replacing current national hockey team coach Sarjit Singh whose contract, which ends on Dec 31, has not been renewed.

"No decision on the matter has been notified to me yet," said Tengku Abdullah, who added that a decision will be made within a month.

"I do not deny the possibility that the national hockey squad could be managed by a coach from Europe," he said. "What is sure is that local coaches will not manage the national squad begining next year."

Tengku Abdullah was responding to questions on whether MHF is looking at a local or foreign coach to replace Sarjit.
It was widely believed that MHF, based on the National Sports Council's advise, would settle for South Korean Kim Sang-ryul as Sarjit's replacement.

Sang-ryul coached China in the Beijing Olympics.

Among the previous foreign coaches who helmed the national squad were Australian Terry Walsh (1990-94), Germans Volker Knapp (1995-98 and Paul Lissek (2001-04).

Turning to preparations for the 2009 Junior World Cup in Johor, Tengku Abdullah said MHF, the Sports Ministry and the Johor state government were working together.

"I have been informed that Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman will pay attention to the needs including a second hockey pitch. We believe it will be well organised," he said.

Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also stated recently that the ministry will look into the additional RM5 million needed by MHF to build a second hockey pitch as well as its infrastructure in Taman Daya, Johor Baru.