Malacca exco: Errant coach apologised to players, parents

 

The coach who slapped two volleyball players last month has apologised to the victims and their parents.

According to Malacca executive councillor VP Shanmugam, the incident occurred on Dec 14 during the 20th Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship during a match between Malacca and Johor.

He said the coach became emotional after his team did not perform as expected.

“It was the first time Malacca had advanced to the semifinals and the coach was proud of his players. However, they narrowly lost to Johor 2-3.

“After the match, the coach explained the situation to the technical management, who also reprimanded him for his actions. After the incident, he met with the two players and apologised.

“The incident was resolved on the spot on the same day,” Shanmugam (above) said.

Coach is ‘very dedicated’

According to Bernama, Shanmugam said the Malacca Volleyball Association will decide on the fate of the coach on Wednesday.

“We will meet with all parties, including representatives of the Youth and Sports Ministry, state Sports Council, Malacca Volleyball Association, coaches, parents, and players tomorrow (Jan 3).

“The management of the volleyball squad at the tournament will also be called to testify, and the results of the meeting and discussion will determine the coach’s fate,” he said.

Shanmugam said the Malacca Volleyball Association will also take the coach’s track record into account.

“Complaints about him have been lodged before and we also know that the coach is very dedicated and concerned with his players,” he said. - Mkini