It’s Malaysia v Singapore
The love-hate relationship between Malaysia – Singapore is so gripping that Taylor Swift could even write a song about it. From food to political drama, we’re constantly trying to up one the other.
Things just got more dramatic as Malaysia’s squash team learned that former Malaysian squash coach, Allan Soyza, will be leading the Singapore squash team against them.
Allan Soyza was a player and coach with SRAM (Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia) since 1992. After 22 years of service, he decided to end his stint with SRAM in March 2015.
Soyza was also a national squash player from 1992-1998. He also used to run the Penang Squash Academy with his brother Aaron Soyza, who is coach to national squash player Low Wee Wern.
Allan Soyza joins Singapore
In January 2017, the Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA) hired Allan Soyza as their new technical director. Soyza signed a two-year contract with SSRA, and he will work with three national coaches within the organization.
However, Malaysia’s squash team is not intimidated by SSRA’s new signing, they are confident that they can still ace the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and defend their gold medals.
We’re not intimidated!
The national squash team’s manager, Nik Razeen A Daud said Soyza’s signing should be seen as a challenge to encourage the team to perform better.
“If we look back at the last SEA Games in Singapore, we bagged four gold medals and I believe our squash players who are participating in this year’s SEA Games can repeat that success.” Nik Razeen said at a press conference.
“Allan Soyza’s presence will be quite a challenge because he already knows Malaysia’s strategy. But I think we have what it takes to beat Singapore.”
Apart from that, Nik Razeen added that that the squash management has done everything they can in terms of preparations, from giving athletes international exposure and preparing them for international tournaments. Good luck, team Malaysia!
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