KUALA LUMPUR – Three-time Olympian Nor Saiful Zaini has been officially appointed head coach of Malaysia’s junior hockey team, taking over from I. Vikneswaran, who has stepped down to focus fully on his role as president of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA).
The announcement was made during a press conference today by Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, alongside MHC deputy president Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak, Coaching Committee chairman Datuk Majid Manjit Abdullah and Saiful himself – confirming Scoop’s report on Monday.
Subahan said the move was made to ensure timely preparations for the Junior World Cup in India from November 28 to December 10, with Saiful appointed on a three-year term.
“Vicky (Vikneswaran) came back from Oman and told us he wanted to fully concentrate on KLHA development,” said Subahan.
“It’s very difficult to juggle both responsibilities. We asked him before this to help us, not because he was chasing money, but because we needed his expertise. We appreciate his sacrifice.”
He added: “Thank you to Vicky and Ganesh (Shanmugam) for working hard. The junior squad is not yet under the national Podium Programme, but we still made it to the Junior World Cup despite all the financial limitations. That’s a great achievement we can all be proud of.”
MHC’s coaching committee had recommended Saiful for the post, with the appointment endorsed by the MHC board and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), where Saiful is employed.
“This is the synergy we want – most of our junior players are also TNB staff. TNB has given the green light for Saiful to not only lead the team at this Junior World Cup but also in future editions.”
Saiful, 59, who guided Tenaga Nasional to a domestic treble last season, previously served as national junior head coach from 2016 to 2020. He is expected to name his assistants and support staff in collaboration with MHC and TNB soon.
Subahan said the long-term nature of the appointment: “This team is not just for this Junior World Cup – it’s the future of Malaysian hockey. Some players are already part of the senior squad under coach Sarjit Singh. With Saiful, we believe the team is in good hands.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Vikneswaran said: “It’s been a very exciting experience for me the past year. When you commit to coaching juniors, you can’t go halfway. I gave it 100% and was present at every hockey session.
“But I also have a responsibility to KLHA and over 40 affiliates. After being re-elected, I have to give them the respect they deserve. There are 19 teams in the KL League, and I need to focus fully on that.”
He expressed confidence in his successor: “I have high respect for Saiful. He’s very capable and will have all the support, including from me.”
On his regrets, Vikneswaran said: “Going into the Junior Asia Cup, I wanted to win it. But I can only do so much (finished fourth), and the team gave its best. I’m proud they gave 100 per cent and learnt valuable lessons.”
He highlighted individual progress, including the emergence of the team’s goalkeeper as the best in Asia.
“Two years ago, people looked down on him. Now he’s the best in Asia. We also have three players in the senior squad. The contribution is not just to the junior team, but also the future of Malaysian hockey. I trust Saiful will do a good job.”
Malaysia qualified for the Junior World Cup by finishing fourth at the Junior Asia Cup in Oman last December. – May 6, 2025
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