Misbun either an opportunist or victim of BAM’s strait-jacket system
Latest News 9:29 AM
WAS money the reason behind the recent resignation of national badminton coach Misbun Sidek?
Was it because of his “ambitious and audacious” plan to build an empire outside of the clasp of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as an independent entity?
Or was it simply because an emotional and sensitive Misbun could not handle criticism?
After all, the man, who is so passionate about the game, may feel that he had delivered the goods – being the guiding force behind the success of world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and several others since joining the BAM’s stable of coaches in 2003.
Yes, he did make some demands, which he felt were justified, and was disappointed when they were shot down. Thus, leading to his eventual resignation on Dec 31 via e-mail.
But then again, it could well be because of the weak system in the BAM itself.
Is Misbun selfish or selfless? Is he an opportunist or a victim of BAM’s fragile system?
Except for the controversial Misbun, everyone else seems to have his or her own version of the coach’s dramatic exit.
Some had even passed judgement, saying: “Let the trouble maker go!”
But he may still stay on.
It all depends on the maverick coach’s meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh today.
Whether he stays or not, there are “perks” for Misbun.
He draws more than RM20,000 a month and also endorses some products together with his blue-eyed boy Chong Wei.
He may not earn as much when he rejoins Nusa Mahsuri and continue doing what he likes most – training youngsters.
But hang on, there is an even bigger “perk” in store for him – he will be joined by Chong Wei.
Chong Wei is ready to follow his coach out the exit door and pursue his career with his coach by his side – at least until the 2012 London Olympic Games.
It is learnt that several sponsors, including Li Ning, are queuing up to offer millions of ringgit to Chong Wei and his coach Misbun if they choose to be professionals.
With the Datuk Lee Chong Wei Hall set to be ready in March, the shuttler is ready to go pro – with the blessings of the Youth and Sports Ministry and National Sports Council (NSC).
The Ministry and the NSC are not concerned with whom Chong Wei is affiliated to. They will be happy if he can play in the major events like the Olympic Games.
True, the issue of allowing shuttlers to turn professional could have been sorted out earlier if the BAM had had a more structured guideline.
But it is still better to be late than never.
After all, the window of opportunity for a player is short. So, why not maximize it by playing as many tournaments as possible – and raking in the big bucks at the same time?
There is one catch, though.
Will Chong Wei get the blessings from BAM if he decides to leave as well?
It is the association who endorse the participation of all players in international tournaments.
By accepting Misbun’s resignation and allowing Chong Wei to walk out, the BAM may find themselves beset with various problems.
They will no longer have control of Chong Wei. They will not be able to use Chong Wei as sparring partner for their budding players.
And, the most important part of all, they will not have as many as sponsors trying to hitch a ride on their bandwagon any more.
BAM have invested a lot of money on Chong Wei and it is only natural that they would want to ride on his success for as long as they can.
BAM’s other option is to say goodbye to Misbun but not to Chong Wei.
But they are sure to come under fire for doing this – especially from the powers that be.
This leaves BAM with one last option – make peace with Misbun, give in to his demands or strike a compromise.
Whatever they opt to do, the BAM will find themselves in a fix. But this is one problem created by them.
And they are paying the price for neglecting their development programme.
If only they had more than one Chong Wei in their pool, they could have accepted Misbun’s resignation without much hue and cry, wish Chong Wei all the best (if he follows suit) and get back to business – working on others ready to bring glory and honour to the country.
But that is one luxury they do not have.
And it looks like Misbun will get his way after all.
Was it because of his “ambitious and audacious” plan to build an empire outside of the clasp of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as an independent entity?
Or was it simply because an emotional and sensitive Misbun could not handle criticism?
After all, the man, who is so passionate about the game, may feel that he had delivered the goods – being the guiding force behind the success of world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and several others since joining the BAM’s stable of coaches in 2003.
Yes, he did make some demands, which he felt were justified, and was disappointed when they were shot down. Thus, leading to his eventual resignation on Dec 31 via e-mail.
But then again, it could well be because of the weak system in the BAM itself.
Is Misbun selfish or selfless? Is he an opportunist or a victim of BAM’s fragile system?
Except for the controversial Misbun, everyone else seems to have his or her own version of the coach’s dramatic exit.
Some had even passed judgement, saying: “Let the trouble maker go!”
But he may still stay on.
It all depends on the maverick coach’s meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh today.
Whether he stays or not, there are “perks” for Misbun.
He draws more than RM20,000 a month and also endorses some products together with his blue-eyed boy Chong Wei.
He may not earn as much when he rejoins Nusa Mahsuri and continue doing what he likes most – training youngsters.
But hang on, there is an even bigger “perk” in store for him – he will be joined by Chong Wei.
Chong Wei is ready to follow his coach out the exit door and pursue his career with his coach by his side – at least until the 2012 London Olympic Games.
It is learnt that several sponsors, including Li Ning, are queuing up to offer millions of ringgit to Chong Wei and his coach Misbun if they choose to be professionals.
With the Datuk Lee Chong Wei Hall set to be ready in March, the shuttler is ready to go pro – with the blessings of the Youth and Sports Ministry and National Sports Council (NSC).
The Ministry and the NSC are not concerned with whom Chong Wei is affiliated to. They will be happy if he can play in the major events like the Olympic Games.
True, the issue of allowing shuttlers to turn professional could have been sorted out earlier if the BAM had had a more structured guideline.
But it is still better to be late than never.
After all, the window of opportunity for a player is short. So, why not maximize it by playing as many tournaments as possible – and raking in the big bucks at the same time?
There is one catch, though.
Will Chong Wei get the blessings from BAM if he decides to leave as well?
It is the association who endorse the participation of all players in international tournaments.
By accepting Misbun’s resignation and allowing Chong Wei to walk out, the BAM may find themselves beset with various problems.
They will no longer have control of Chong Wei. They will not be able to use Chong Wei as sparring partner for their budding players.
And, the most important part of all, they will not have as many as sponsors trying to hitch a ride on their bandwagon any more.
BAM have invested a lot of money on Chong Wei and it is only natural that they would want to ride on his success for as long as they can.
BAM’s other option is to say goodbye to Misbun but not to Chong Wei.
But they are sure to come under fire for doing this – especially from the powers that be.
This leaves BAM with one last option – make peace with Misbun, give in to his demands or strike a compromise.
Whatever they opt to do, the BAM will find themselves in a fix. But this is one problem created by them.
And they are paying the price for neglecting their development programme.
If only they had more than one Chong Wei in their pool, they could have accepted Misbun’s resignation without much hue and cry, wish Chong Wei all the best (if he follows suit) and get back to business – working on others ready to bring glory and honour to the country.
But that is one luxury they do not have.
And it looks like Misbun will get his way after all.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:29 AM.
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