Yafiz ends stint as national cycling coach

BRUNEI Darussalam national cycling coach Yafiz bin Jamaludin has vacated the role following the end of his contract earlier this month, marking an end to eight years of service.

The Malaysian, who is one of the long-serving foreign coaches in the country, was first appointed in December 2009.

Yafiz enjoyed regional success on a smaller scale most recently winning bronze in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Southeast Asia (SEA) Championship last year only behind Malaysia and Philippines.

“As a coach who has been given the mandate, the sacrifices that I have made is my responsibility in carrying out my job and what really drives me on is ambition in the development of cycling and to bring honour to Brunei Darussalam in the regional and international level,” said the former national cycling coach in an interview with the media.
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The former coach indicated that a memorable moment that stood out in his career representing the national cycling team was guiding the country’s sole representative Muhammad Imaadi bin Abdul Aziz in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Brunei Darussalam former national cycling coach Yafiz bin Jamaludin (2nd R) in a group photo with representative from the Youth and Sports Department and Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation

“Even though we did not win any medal, I am certainly proud with the achievement of my rider who delivered a satisfying performance in the track event,” said Yafiz.

Having been a keen supporter in developing the state of cycling in the country, Yafiz said that the development of cycling must be done at the grassroots level and that the involvement of various parties must be present in order to aid for the progress of cycling both from the government sector and the private sector.

He added that it takes a huge sum of money to spend in cycling alone and relying on the government is not sufficient to accommodate the entire costs.

Yafiz also emphasised that cycling is more developed in the country and cycling has been accepted in the community adding that the government has provided support.

However, he admitted that the level of performance in sports still lags behind by other developed countries.
Asked on his immediate plans, he replied, “I will continue to pursue my career as a coach. With the end of this contract, it does not mean that my career as a coach ends here.”

Yafiz also hoped that the national athletes will continue their quest and stay confident adding that success will not be achieved without persistent efforts other than doing their best for their own good and not for others.

He added that while others play a supporting role in their success and the coach has their limits in guiding them, only the individual rider on his or her own can realise success.

“There are a lot of talented and capable riders in Brunei Darussalam to be highlighted to provide success to the national team and what I hoped what I have poured out can heighten spirits to honour Brunei Darussalam.

“I would like to thank the Department of Youth and Sports and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation as well as the riders who have given me the opportunity to guide the team for eight years.
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“I am very comfortable living in Brunei Darussalam and have never felt foreign living here,” he said.

Article by
Fadhil Yunus
Borneo Bulletin