KUALA LUMPUR: While the Speedy Tigers and their coaches are busy packing up after a disastrous outing at the Olympic Qualifier in Muscat, Oman, plans are already in motion to hire a coach from Asia.
A Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) insider said they prefer one from Punjab and he should be here by the time of the Azlan Shah Cup on May 4-11.
"It's too expensive to hire coaches from Australia and Europe now, so the plan is to hire from Asia and if possible, we want somebody from Punjab as they seem to have a better defence and offence approach.
"And also, it does not cost an arm and a leg to hire one from Asia," said the insider.
Malaysia have already experimented with Dutchman Roeland Otmans, South African Paul Revington, Australian Terry Walsh and Olympian part-timer Chris Cello. Not to forget Dutch goalkeeping guru Martijn Drijveron on demand basis.
"We need to break free from this mess soon, and possibly keep half of the younger players from the senior and eight more from the Junior World Cup team to start rebuilding for the Azlan Shah Cup. It's now or never," said the source.
Pakistan started building their youth in January 2023 and they played in the Asian Champions Trophy, Asian Games, Junior World Cup and nearly upstaged New Zealand in the bronze medal playoff (lost 3-2) in Muscat which would have taken them to the Olympics. That's what one calls blooding youth for the future.
Malaysia also need to start with the Azlan Shah Cup after winning the title for the first time in 2022, the last time it was held.
Invitations have been sent out to world champions Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, India, Britain, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and South Africa.
Only six, including the hosts, will get a chance to play in the Azlan Shah Cup this year.