KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) yesterday announced that Petronella Douny, 36, has been appointed as the new head coach of the national Under-17 (U-17) women’s football squad.
FAM Technical Director Scott O’Donell said the appointment was made based on the former national player’s commitment and achievements as a former assistant coach of the Malayan Tigress U-18 squad at the AFF Women’s U-18 Championship in Palembang, Indonesia last year.
In a statement here, he said Petronella is the only Malaysian female coach who holds an Asian Football Confederation (AFC)/FAM A Coaching Licence.
“Petronella’s ability and credibility as a coach can also be seen after being entrusted to manage the Malayan Tigress U-17 squad at the 2022 JENESYS Championship in Okinawa, Japan from March 17 to 21.
“I hope that with the appointment of Petronella, it will open a new chapter for women’s football in the country, thus providing inspiration and motivation for women out there to venture into the coaching field,” he said.
Scott said Petronella’s high commitment in the women’s football arena can also be seen through her continued involvement in the development of the sport in her home state of Sabah.
Meanwhile, national women’s squad head coach Soleen Al-Zoubi sees Petronella’s appointment as a good start not only for the national team but also for Malaysia’s domestic women’s football competition.
“Petronella and I always communicate and discuss training sessions and development programmes for our players that we can do together.
“Her experience as a former national player from 2002 to 2009 can certainly help her in shaping the young players in her squad. I really hope to see more female coaches running teams in the country,” said Soleen. – BERNAMA
