Zolkples disappointed with Revington's resignation

The sudden resignation of national hockey coach Paul Revington yesterday, has greatly disappointed National Sports Council (NSC)director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong.

He said he did not know the real reason for Remington's shocking resignation although there were reports linking the latter's decision to his frustration over interference in helming the national squad.

"He had carried out his responsibilities well but his sudden resignation is disappointing," Zolkples said today when asked to comment on the South African-born coach's decision.

Revington had sent an email to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) yesterday, announcing his resignation from the national coach post, which he held since August last year and claimed there were interfering hands in overseeing the national hockey squad.

Zolkples who was met when he was visiting the family of the late 11-year-old hockey player Mohamad Akmal Daniel Che Azni in Kampung Tanjong, near here, said he would obtain the real picture on Revington's resignation.

"Revington's absence will be a loss to Malaysian hockey. He is a good coach. The players admitted that they enjoyed being coached by him although his training method could be tiring," he said.

On his visit to Mohamad Akmal Daniel's family home, he said it was to personally extend his condolences to the family over their loss and to find out how they were keeping.

The talented hockey player, a Standard Five pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Salang, was crossing Jalan Kaki Bukit on his bicycle on April 19 when he was hit by a car. He was on his way for hockey training at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Syed Hassan.

During his visit, Zolkples also handed over a contribution of RM5,000 from the NSC and group insurance coverage payment of RM27,500 to the boy's father, trader Che Azni Che Ani, who although still moaning, was grateful for the contribution and visit by NSC officials.

Also present during the visit was Perlis NSC director, Muhammad Azahari Ramli.