'Over-reliance' on Thai players

THE Malaysia Sepak Takraw Confederation (MSC), which came into existence recently, aim to unearth new talents from grassroots.

This will see MSC teaming up with Masyarakat Bola Rotan (MBR), the Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry.

MSC deputy president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad said they want to produce players in the mould of greats like Adnan Saidin, Nordin Sabarudin, Rehan Mat Din and Malik Samsudin.

"There's plenty of potential for this sport in the villages, housing estates, schools, towns, cities, and at districts level." he said.

"MBR has thousands of social media followers, and they often hit the ground with former national and state players to look for new talents.

"They have also conducted development programmes, which get popular support."

Khairudin said the development of the sport in Malaysia has been neglected due to "over commercialisation."

According to Khairudin, MSC president Datuk Suhaili Abdul is unhappy with the over-reliance on Thai players while local talents are overlooked,

"MSC are saddened with the tendency of state teams to rely on Thai feeders and tekongs to win competitions.

"This makes it harder for local talents to get a chance to show their abilities," he added.

As part of their plans to boost the sport here, MSC are looking at collaborating with a TV station to produce a sepak takraw reality programme.

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