By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Perak is a formidable force in hockey, consistently presenting tough challenges to opponents in various tournaments.
Recently, the Perak men’s hockey team clinched the gold medal at the Sukma Sarawak 2024 championship.
As with any sport, the skills of hockey players must be developed from an early age, a responsibility shouldered by coaches.
A coach’s guidance, effective training, good management, and the players’ fighting spirit all contribute to shaping the game on the field.
The role of a coach is also significant.
This is the role taken on by Mohd Akhmal Fisal, who is currently tasked with training the Perak girls’ under-12 hockey squad for the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) competition.
A teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Cator Avenue, Ipoh, Mohd Akhmal has 16 years of experience as a hockey coach for schools in Perak.
At 41, Mohd Akhmal, originally from Kuala Ketil, Kedah, was also a hockey player for six years before becoming a coach.
He mentioned that during this period, he was responsible for coaching hockey at SK Cator Avenue and also at Sekolah Anderson.
According to him, a coach’s role is to ensure players adhere to tactics because players from different regions have varying understandings of the game.
“In primary school, for example, we gather students from different schools, so there is a process and method to develop players.
“Each session (group) presents its own challenges, but with experience as a coach, we seek the most effective way to train them,” he said.
As a coach, Mohd Akhmal expressed his satisfaction when he sees players he has trained achieving success at higher levels.
“There are students who represented Perak at the recent Sukma Sarawak and won gold medals.
“Some are now playing in the Junior Hockey League and the Perak Sports Council. Wherever they achieve success, we always hope for their continued success.
“Always strive, believe in your efforts, and stay in the right place,” he advised.
Furthermore, Mohd Akhmal emphasized that as a teacher, he stresses to trainees the importance of prioritizing their studies alongside sports.
Support from parents and family is also crucial for encouragement.
“To parents, always provide support, and to players, balance your studies with hockey.
“This is because to go far, continuous learning, training, and discipline are key factors in developing great players,” Mohd Akhmal asserted.
Achievements as a Hockey Coach:
2009 – MSSM 3rd Place U12
2010 – MSSM 3rd Place U12
2016 – MSSM Champion U12
2017 – National Champion U16, U14
2018 – National Champion U14
2019 – MSSM Champion U18
2022 – MSSM Champion U18
2023 – MSSM Champion U12
