KUALA LUMPUR: National sepak takraw head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun wants his players to end the nation's 33-year wait for a team event title this week.
The ongoing Sepak Takraw World Cup has now moved into the team event competition which will culminate with the final at the Titiwangsa Stadium on Sunday.
The national squad is currently on a high after winning the doubles and inter-regu titles yesterday, stunning favourites Thailand in both finals.
Thailand, who have been close to invincible over the past two decades, will again be the outright favourites in the team event.
"Our players have performed very well in the World Cup so far and the support of the home crowd has fired them up even more," said Jais yesterday.
"Thailand looked nervous in the finals (yesterday) and our players were able to capitalise on it. That was the difference between the two sides.
"We, however, cannot afford to be content with what we have achieved so far.
"The bigger challenge for us will be in the team event. We have not won a team event title since the 1991 Sea Games when I was still playing in the team.
"We have to try and win the event once again. We will plan our strategy and select the best players to ensure that we can contend for the title."
Malaysia defeated Thailand in the 1991 Sea Games team event final.
The rivalry between the two nations has stretched over many decades, though Malaysia has been forced to play perennial bridesmaid in recent years.
