Sayed Abu Bakar confident to restore discipline in Thomas Cup squad – Badminton Update
Malaysia’s team manager Datuk Sayed Abu Bakar Abdullah is all set to shoulder his new responsibility as he vowed to bring some discipline to the national squad of Thomas Cup Finals, to be staged in Wuhan from May 20, 2012.
The Malaysian team will reach China on May 13, a week before the commencement of tournament, to start a joint practice session in Guangzhou.
Thomas Cup draw has put national shuttlers in Group C with South Africa and Denmark. They will be in action from May 21 when they meet South Africa in their opening match of Group stages.
Sayed Abu Bakar, new team manager, is ready to keep his shuttlers focused and dedicated in this prestigious team event as he stated that he will ensure unity and morality among the players.
He said, “I will make sure that they are disciplined, focused and committed. It is not about winning or losing but about every player supporting one another and showing determination in every match.”
Earlier, he was the president of Terengganu Badminton Association when he was summoned by BAM to supervise its campaigners in Thomas Cup Finals.
Though, Sayed joined national team just one day ago but still he looked positive to make amends by performing his duties without wasting time further.
He said, “It would have been great if I had been with the team since the start of centralised training but now it is not too late either.”
It is certainly going to be huge task for new manager to regulate the line-up which includes seasoned Men’s Singles shuttlers like Lee Chong Wei, Hafiz Hashim and Men’s Doubles team Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong along with debutants like Daren Liew, Lim Khim
Wah and Goh V Shem.
However, Sayed looked confident to handle this nice blend of experience and passion as he stated that he will put extra effort to switch on the best in these shuttlers.
Malaysia is eyeing to make into finals this year, which they have not done since 2002, and they stand good chance to reach at least in semi-final round after receiving a favourable draw in Thomas Cup.
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