Rashid believes Zulfadli and Misbun will blossom after getting support – Badminton update
The singles head coach of Malaysia Rashid Sidek firmly believes that the young guns, Zulfadli Zulkifli and Misbun Ramdan Misbun have the potential to be true successors of the great Lee Chong Wei, but they have a long way to go.
The World Number one shuttler Lee Chong Wei is expected to call it a day in couple of years and except Daren Liew, Malaysia does not have any other youngster to replace the badminton maestro immediately.
The badminton guru, Rashid Sidek though admitted that Chong Wei’s brilliance is simply irreplaceable but still he feels that Zulfadli and Misbun have all the hallmarks to become badminton greats if they elevate their fitness standards.
Rashid said, "They have the potential to become established international players. Both are very skillful and the only thing that is lacking is physical strength."
The 21-year old Misbun Ramdan has registered his presence by making some strong bids in recent past and made entry into national back-up squad. His improvement has alarmed many national players as the badminton legend Misbun Sidek’s son is catching up at
great pace.
National coach, Rashid thinks the young Ramdan is loaded with talent but he needs to improve his stamina to stand firm in the arena.
He said, "Ramdan started late but he could catch up with the others fast because of his exceptional skills and a positive attitude but he needs to work on his power."
Meanwhile, the coach also appreciated the reigning Junior World and Asian champion Zulfadli Zulkifli who became first shuttler to clinch these crowns for Malaysia last year and now he is in a transition year from junior to senior level.
Rashid gave his vote of confidence to the Malaysian lad but he also warned that his current fitness level is not enough for the senior stage as the badminton giants Chong Wei, Lin Dan, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat and Lee Hyun Il are still in prime touch despite
of their ages.
The cautious coach said, "Zulfadli also has the ideal build for a singles shuttler but his fitness and endurance are insufficient to survive on the international stage."
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is working on four-year programme to nourish their young talent and BAM also formed a special squad for mega events of 2014.
The reason they fielded a back-up squad in the Axiata Cup was to provide youngsters like Zulfadli and Ramdan an opportunity to gain experience at international level.
Tags: