KUALA LUMPUR – The future of Sohail Abbas within the Speedy Tigers setup is now uncertain, with a sweeping overhaul of the national team’s support staff expected once Brendon Carolan officially takes charge next month.
Abbas, who was appointed by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) in early 2024 as assistant coach under Sarjit Singh, now faces an unclear role as Carolan prepares to review the entire coaching structure.
Following the MHC’s decision not to extend Sarjit’s contract, attention has shifted to a broader restructuring exercise that could reshape both the coaching bench and the playing squad ahead of a crucial run of tournaments.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal confirmed that Carolan will be given full autonomy to select his backroom staff, signalling that current members, including high-profile figures may not be guaranteed continuity.
“He will have the responsibility to choose the assistants he wants. We will leave it to the head coach to decide what is best for the team moving forward,” said Subahan.
While no names have been officially confirmed for removal, the uncertainty surrounding Abbas, widely regarded as one of hockey’s greatest drag-flickers, highlights the scale of changes looming within the national setup.
The shake-up may not stop at the coaching staff.
Subahan indicated that the South African coach could also review the current squad, raising questions over the future of several senior players, including Fitri Saari, Faizal Saari, and Marhan Jalil.
“He may change the team lineup or retain the current squad. That decision will be up to him once he assesses the players,” he said.
The potential overhaul comes as Malaysia prepares for a packed international calendar, with the FIH Nations Cup, FIH Hockey World Cup, and the Asian Games all scheduled in the coming months.
With just a six-month window to prepare for the Asian Games, a key pathway to the Olympic Games, Subahan stressed that all decisions will be geared towards delivering immediate impact.
He also revealed that plans for international test matches and friendlies will be finalised once Carolan arrives and outlines his technical blueprint.
“We will sit down with him and discuss planning, including test matches. These are important to improve our ranking and prepare the team against stronger opponents,” he said.
Malaysia are currently ranked 15th in the world and risk slipping further, making competitive fixtures against higher-ranked teams a crucial component of their rebuilding strategy.
Carolan, who previously worked with the national team in a support role and is familiar with the players, is expected to arrive in Malaysia next week to begin preparations.
With sweeping changes on the horizon, from the coaching bench to the dressing room, the Speedy Tigers now stand at a crossroads, with a new era set to be defined by bold decisions and urgent results. – March 18, 2026