SIBU: The Sibu Volleyball Association (SAVA) has engaged an experienced Japanese coach to help develop players with the potential to represent the nation.
Confirming the appointment to Sarawak Tribune, SAVA chairman Datuk Moh Ung Ming said the association had enlisted 72-year-old Michi Toshima, whose extensive coaching background is expected to raise the standard of volleyball in Sibu.
“We appointed her to help improve our standard and, hopefully, produce players capable of competing at the national level.
“Every player dreams of representing Malaysia, and that is why we brought her here to enhance their skills,” he said.
Moh expressed confidence that Michi was the right choice for SAVA, citing her wealth of coaching experience spanning more than five decades.
“She previously coached in Thailand for between 15 and 20 years, where she successfully developed many national players.
“We also have a Thai coach, and we hope both of them will work well together in imparting their technical knowledge and expertise to our players,” he added.
According to Moh, the appointment will benefit not only SAVA’s 600 under-18 players but also seven local coaches, who will receive guidance and training from Michi.
“She will be with us for three months, although we hope to engage her on a longer-term basis,” he said.
Michi has more than 30 years of international coaching experience, having worked in Japan, Thailand and the Maldives. Throughout her career, she has coached university teams, state representative squads and volleyball academies.
Most recently, she served as assistant coach of Hiroshima Oilers, a club affiliated with Japan’s V.League.
An FIVB Level 3-certified coach, she has also completed specialised FIVB technical seminars covering all major playing positions, equipping her with a wealth of technical knowledge and international experience.
In addition to developing SAVA’s players and coaches, Michi will play a key role in preparing Sarawak’s men’s and women’s teams for the SUKMA Games.
She is also expected to contribute to the long-term growth of volleyball in Sibu and Sarawak through athlete development, coach education and high-performance training.
SAVA believes her appointment will strengthen the association’s development programme and is optimistic about achieving greater success under her guidance.
