“It was to fire their spirit & motivate them” – Volleyball Coach Who Slapped 2 of His Players Apologises

Recently, the video of the volleyball coach who was involved in the controversial slapping of 2 of his players went viral on social media.

Following the backlash he has received, he has since openly apologised for his action.

In a press conference yesterday (January 4), Saiful Hadee Amarsaid he regretted his action and was willing to face all actions over the incident on December 16 in Johor.

“I did not intend to take action which caused injuries… 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, their parents, my own club Mastanah and the Malaysian Volleyball Association (MAVA) as well as the volleyball community in Malaysia”, he explained.

The State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) VP Shanmugam, National Sports Council (MSN) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail and Melaka MSN director Asri Ninggal were also present.

Meanwhile, also present at the press conference were the parents of the 2 players involved namely 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 Hadee said in the training he conducted, he also applied various types of approaches which are psychological, intensive and physical in shaping up his players.

“I do it to raise their spirits as players to fight for every victory… the players are my family and my source of strength, without them I cannot be a coach. I am prepared to face any decisions which will be imposed on me. I hope this will be a lesson for myself.”

His future is undecided

Meanwhile, Shanmugam said all decisions to be taken against Saiful Hadee will be decided by MAVA after the association’s investigation with the Ministry of Education (MOE) is completed.

He said among the actions that can be imposed on Saiful Hadee is either suspending or terminating his service as the coach of the Melaka U-14 (Women) volleyball team.

“Despite the apology and understanding between the coach and the 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, firstly the investigation by the state government over the viral video. Secondly he also served the Ministry of Education, so its Integrity Unit will conduct further investigation,” he explained.

Watch his apology below:

What do you think of his apology? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: “Treats them like own children” – Melaka Exco Downplays Act of Volleyball Coach Slapping Players