CHECKMATE BY FAM

NATIONAL TEAM TSUNAMI HAS BEGAN AS COACHING STAFF OPT OUT

S. BALACHANDRAN (pixs courtesy of Balachandran)

By Tony Mariadass

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) went a step ahead of the national team Harimau assistant coaches who were speculated by this blog that they would follow national coach Tan Cheng Hoe to resign, in support of the latter’s move.

The assistant coaches at the recent Suzuki AFF football tournament in Singapore were S. Balachandran, Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz (goalkeeper coach) and Martin Stano (fitness coach).

However, even before the coaches could submit their resignation letters, they together with team administrator, Andy Azzuddin, were called up to meet up with FA of Malaysia president Datuk Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin on Wednesday.

The discussion with the president surrounded on their positions with the national team and it was suggested that since national coach Tan Cheng Hoe has already resigned, and they were part of the ‘package team’ for the national team, it was best they considered their future with the national team which going to announce a new national coach or their future plans tomorrow afternoon.

An investigation body led by former national player and FAM general secretary Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, was set up  to investigate the cause of the national squad’s failure in Singapore, and will submit its report tomorrow.

After discussions with the President, all four decided to severe their ties with the national team, after they were told they could not be placed with other age-group national teams, as all positions were filled.

Balachandran, who has been assistant national coach from 2018, confirmed tonight that he is no longer with the national team

“We had a fruitful meeting with the President and understood each other’s predicament and came to a mutual decision to part ways,” disclosed Balachandran.

“We have been told that we will be compensated but will be told how many months soon.

“I am grateful to FAM for having given me an opportunity to work with them and hope that if there is an opportunity in the future to work with them again, I will be considered.

“I leave now with rich knowledge from my stints with the national team. Although with a heavy heart, it is all part and parcel of the job,” said Balachandran who has stints with the National U-16, U-15, U-14 as head coach.

“Besides, it is only logical and fair that we leave in support of national coach Tan Cheng Hoe who has resigned because we are a ‘team’.

BALACHANDRAN AND TAN CHENG HOE

Balachandran said he will now move forward to look for a job either locally or overseas.

“I have not applied anywhere officially but have made enquires and depending on the feedback, will consider my next move.”

It is learnt that Balachandran had send feelers for coaching opportunities in Philippines too.

When asked about Philippines, he said: “Nothing official. Am just considering all options I have and am prepared to coach locally or overseas if the opportunity arises.”

Balachandran who holds an AFC Pro Licence, besides having attended FIFA coaching course, is a holder of AFC ‘A’ Licence and a certified Physical Conditioning Specialist Program Level 1.

He is a former national midfielder, who was part of Kuala Lumpur hattrick Malaysia Cup victors (1987-1989).

It is indeed going to be an interesting day for Malaysian football tomorrow for besides Dell Akbar submitting his report, the FAM executive committee will also be convening to discuss the report, before Hamidin will be hold a press conference to reveal all proceedings,