PETALING JAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek has held every position in the senior, junior and club badminton but his love for the development of the game supersedes them all.
Although coaching or managing at the development level gets the least attention, Misbun is fine with it.
“I’m not here for the name. Let others claim it.
“There is nothing more important than developing a young player and laying the right foundation ... and I love to focus on this,” said Misbun.
The 64-year-old Misbun has enjoyed the spotlight for the most part of his yesteryears - when he was spotted with his mohawk hairstyle during his younger playing days or when he pioneered the setting up of the professional club Nusa Mahsuri.
Who can forget the time when he was seen as the father figure for former great Lee Chong Wei and the Hashim brothers - Roslin and Hafiz.? He has been the mastermind in many of Malaysia’s Thomas Cup preparations and other assignments.
Misbun has also headed the senior and junior teams, handling successes and criticism too that came with every flop.
He has travelled throughout the country in developing grassroots talents, under Nusa.
Now, Misbun, who left the limelight as the Badminton Association of Malaysia junior coaching director last year, is quietly coaching players at his centre in Ampang.
Most of his players are local young talents but he also entertains many players from abroad, who seek his immense knowledge in the game.
In recent times, he had coached Thailand’s back-up players.
“Finding talents is easy but developing them is the hardest,” said Misbun.
“Many people lack patience when they go through the process of unearthing a gem. It will take eight to 10 years to build a player but many want instant success. There are no shortcuts.
“There are talents but some are lazy too. A coach at this level has to deal with many factors in shaping a player. But once everything falls into place and the chemistry is right, the outcome is satisfactory.
“This is what keeps me going, the excitement of finding future talents.”
Does that mean that Misbun is no longer game to handle a senior team here or abroad?
“Who knows what the future holds ... I’m always ready for a change,” added Misbun.
