KUALA LUMPUR: State-level sports schools and associations must work closely for the betterment of netball, said Federal Territories coach Norizan Rajab today.
Norizan hopes to see greater cooperation between both parties, especially when it comes to releasing players for competitions.
She touched on this after guiding FT to their eighth Malaysia Games gold medal following a 63-51 win over Pahang in the final at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara today.
"I had a problem securing players for the Malaysia Games. I needed options as most of my players had played back-to-back competitions — the Malaysian Sports Schools Council event and the Asian Championship — before the Malaysia Games."
"Recovery is important, and the hectic schedule of competitions could have caused injuries to the players," said Norizan, who plans to retire from coaching.
Norizan said: "It is my fifth Malaysia Games with KL as a coach. I am proud to lead them to their eighth title, so I think it is time to rest.
"I may continue as an advisor. I have programmes lined-up for the team ahead of the 2024 Malaysia Game in Johor.
FT's previous netball victories were in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2018.
Selangor, meanwhile, finished third after edging Johor 47-45 in the bronze-medal playoff.