Saturday January 12, 2013

Malaysia lose out as Lissek joins South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s loss is set to be South Korea’s gain.

While many would jump at the chance of hiring the highly-regarded German coach Paul Lissek, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have continued to ignore such a valuable asset.

And this has led to Lissek joining South Korea, leaving National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong perplexed over MHC’s continued reluctance to use his services.

“I’m really perplexed as to why the MHC do not want the German. I’ve spoken to him and he’s more than willing to help us by working at the grassroots level to develop the young talents,” said Zolkples yesterday.

“I know that senior team coach Paul Revington is willing to use Lissek’s services as well. But the MHC have not been receptive to the idea.

“But that’s their decision ... we can’t force anyone to hire him.”

Lissek has been helping out the Australian national team for the last years as a consultant and they’ve gone on to win the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics.

Lissek used to coach the Malaysian from 2000 to 2004 before continuing to act as a consultant for various teams, including the juniors.

Australian Ric Charlesworth also appointed him as a consultant when he took charge of the Malaysian team.

And now “The South Koreans, Australians and even the Germans have faith in him but not the MHC. Not even after he guided the national team to the silver medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games,” said Zolkples. “He is also an FIH accredited Master coach. Yet, I don’t see the MHC clamouring for his services.”

Lissek is set to begin his stint with South Korea on Monday and is likely to be in charge of the team when they come for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in March.

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