News

Oltmans saga to continue till he signs

2010-03-01 00:03:00

MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said yesterday that he can't comment on the Roelant Oltmans saga, as nothing is confirmed until the Dutchman signs his contract.
Former Netherlands coach Oltmans has been courted by the MHF since the Asia Cup in Kuantan last year, where he flew down for a meeting with the top-brass.

However, a day after National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong said the coach is almost in the bag, Larensche Mixed Hockey Club (LMHC) threw a spanner with a posting on their website www.lmhc.nl.

The posting read: "The board of LMHC would like to clarify the situation with our technical director and coach Roelant Oltmans.

"Despite media reports, Oltmans will remain attached with Laren for the next two seasons."

Oltmans has a two-year contract with Laren, but the MHF had offered him a lucrative package, with E10,000 (RM50,000) as his monthly pay if he jumps over.
"I can't comment on Oltmans, as nothing is confirmed until we sign the agreement," said Tengku Abdullah.

When asked if the MHF will still look for a foreign coach if the Oltmans deal falls through: "Yes, we will keep hunting for a foreign coach," said Tengku Abdullah.

Oltmans has experience coaching the Dutch national side as well as Pakistan.

Oltmans also has a part-time position at the Dutch National Olympic Council.

Currently, locals Tai Beng Hai and Stephen van Huizen are coaching the national team, with the Asia Champions Trophy in April as their first assignment.

The most important tournament this year is the Asian Games, which offers the champions a direct ticket to the 2012 London Olympics.

Source NST