MELAKA – The volleyball coach who went viral on social media for slapping two of his players has apologised openly for his actions.
Saiful Hadee Amar, 44, said he regretted his actions and was willing to face all repercussions for the incident on December 16 in Johor.
“I did not intend to injure...my action was to fire up their spirits and motivate them in each match.
“I wish to apologise to all players, especially the two players involved, the parents, my own club Mastanah, and the Malaysian Volleyball Association (Mava), as well as the volleyball community in Malaysia,” he said in a press conference at the Melaka Sports Council (NSC) office in Krubong here today.
Also present were state Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations exco V.P. Shanmugam, National Sports Council Director-General Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, and Melaka NSC director Asri Ninggal.
Also present at the press conference were the parents of the two players involved – Abd Halim Bakar, 50, and his wife, Hartini Wagimun, 48; as well as Mohd Ismail Mohd Daud, 43, and his wife, Rohayu Mohd Dahlan, 35,
Saiful said in his training, he also applied various types of approaches that were psychological, intensive, and physical to shape his players.
“I do it to raise their spirits as players to fight for every victory... The players are my family and source of strength. Without them, I would not be a coach.
“I am prepared to face any decisions that will be imposed on me. I hope this will be a lesson for myself,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shanmugam said all actions to be taken against Saiful will be decided by Mava after the association’s investigation with the Education Ministry is completed.
He said among the actions that can be imposed on Saiful is either suspension or termination of his services as the coach of the Melaka U-14 women’s volleyball team.
“Despite the apology and understanding between the coach and parents, the issue needs to be properly investigated as it has received the attention of various parties.
“The coach’s position is divided into several levels, the first being the state government’s investigation into the viral video. Secondly, he also served the Education Ministry, so its integrity unit will conduct further investigation," he said.
Earlier, a video went viral showing the coach slapping two players with the Melaka team in the under-14 youth volleyball championship.
The incident attracted reactions from various parties, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who wanted appropriate action to be taken over the matter. – Bernama, January 4, 2023
