KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will undergo a restructuring of its players and coaching staff this December, affecting both the senior and junior squads.
BAM performance committee Chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei sai a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to determine which players will be retained, dropped or integrated into the association's development programmes.
He noted that singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky will submit their player evaluations to the performance committee before the final decisions are announced.
"We cannot simply keep retaining players without ever dropping anyone. We need to reorganise the player roster and carry out some restructuring."
"The coaches will conduct a re-evaluation and submit a list to me, which will then be discussed with the performance committee," he said when contacted.
Chong Wei added that this reshuffle also opens doors for talented young players, aged 12 and 15, to be brought into the BAM fold.
However, he noted that the number of young players selected will depend on talent assessments and the current needs of the squads.
He further explained that the number of players brought in will also dictate whether additional coaches are required, ensuring that every player receives appropriate guidance.
"We first need to see how many players are selected. If a large number of talented players are identified, we will bring in more, but we must also ensure that we have a sufficient number of coaches.
"It is not feasible for a single coach to oversee too many players. We need to devise an appropriate structure, which includes determining the necessary number of coaches and assistant coaches," he said.
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