Chafidz Yusuf Remains Open To Greysia/Apriyani Et Al Even Though They Have Been Expelled By PBSI

JAKARTA – Former assistant coach for women's doubles Chafidz Yusuf said that he was still open to providing input to athletes at the National Training Center even though his contract with PBSI was not renewed.

Chafidz has not officially been at the National Training Center since January 24. He had to resign after 10 years of serving for the national badminton parent.

Although he is no longer a part of PBSI, Chafidz said he would not close the door for Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu and friends who need their help.

"I will help from outside through enthusiasm, through input because there are some players who sometimes contact me for example, there is something I can give input, I will always provide input. The point is for the success of the players," said Chafidz when contacted by telephone.

His long service at PBSI made this bespectacled coach feel that he has a very close emotional connection with the players. Their closeness is like family.

"As coaches we have to enter the world of players. So we really know when he's in a bad mood, when he's excited, when he's down. I also consider all players like family. Likewise the players, only the difference is on the field," he said.

The close relationship that has been built over the years has made Chafidz remain willing to support Indonesian badminton even though he is no longer coaching.

He said that there are so many moments with Pelatnas players that cannot be simply forgotten. Moreover, he closed his career sweetly after helping Greysia/Apriyani win gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

"It was a moment where even though I couldn't be there, I could see what the struggle was like, how hard it was to be sad, and it was a moment that I think is extraordinary for us even though I am an assistant," he said.

“This is a moment to be proud because we went through a process that was so hard but it was achievable. Olympic gold is actually the most extraordinary result that can't be obtained easily," he added.

After no longer holding the position of assistant coach at PBSI, Chafidz has not yet determined his next career path. However, he stated that he still wanted to continue to contribute to Indonesia

"Actually I still want to be in Indonesia because no matter what, I'm still happy if I can bring the name of Indonesia through the achievements of the players. But if, for example, there are no external offers, I will consider it," he said.

Chafidz became the second coach to leave Pelatnas. Previously, the men's singles coach Hendry Saputra had already headed for the Pelatnas exit after his contract expired last December.