KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s sepak takraw head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun is refusing to fast-track young players into the deep end, instead adopting a patient and methodical approach to shaping the national squad for the long term.
Amid growing excitement over the emergence of new talents, Ahmad Jais cautioned that those recently drafted into the national setup are still a work in progress and should not be prematurely exposed to the pressures of major tournaments.
He stressed that while the potential is evident, the players must first be given adequate time and opportunities to grow into their roles through consistent exposure at the international level.
“In the short term, I have to be honest — they are not fully ready to compete at the highest level just yet. We cannot rush this process because once you throw them into a major tournament, the expectations and pressure are completely different,” Ahmad Jais told Scoop when contacted.
“What we are doing now is giving them opportunities to play in international competitions, to face teams from other countries, and to understand the intensity and pace of the game outside of our domestic environment.”
He added that such exposure is crucial in helping young players adapt, not just technically but mentally, as they learn to cope with high-pressure situations and unfamiliar styles of play.
“When they go up against established teams, they will start to see the differences in speed, in tactical discipline, in experience. That is something they cannot fully grasp in training alone.
“So this phase is about allowing them to absorb all of that, to build confidence step by step, and to become more comfortable in those environments before we place bigger expectations on them.”
Ahmad Jais also warned against burdening the players too early, noting that long-term development must take priority over short-term results.
“If we push them too quickly, we risk affecting their confidence and overall development. These are young players; they need time to mature, to understand their roles, and to build consistency in their performances.
“Our responsibility is to guide them properly, to ensure that when they are finally called upon for major tournaments, they are mentally strong, tactically prepared, and ready to deliver.”
Malaysia are set to face a demanding calendar ahead, with key assignments including the Sepak Takraw World Cup, the 2026 Asian Games and the sixth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games tournaments, where Ahmad Jais hopes a more seasoned and battle-ready squad will emerge. - March 29, 2026
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