PETALING JAYA, June 18 — BA of Malaysia (BAM) are  on a recruitment drive.

After enlisting former players Misbun Sidek and Cheah Soon Kit  as coaches, and with Hafiz Hashim due to put pen to paper as the new women’s coach, BAM are set to augment further their stock of professional expertise.

According to a source, BAM have interviewed a few candidates to fill the vacancy of general manager and head of their academy, which is set to begin operations in Bukit Kiara in August.

"BAM have interviewed a few candidates and will announce their names once the process is completed,” said the source.

Among those considered for the post of GM, which was vacated by Lawrence Chew in May, is a former player who is vastly experienced in sports administration.”

The former player at state level was said to be eyeing the post and was shortlisted, his extensive involvement in football administration giving him an edge.

BAM have been casting their net far and wide are not limiting their search to those with experience in sports but are also considering candidates with a background in education.

This is to ensure the candidate for the academy in Bukit Kiara will be able to handle the day-to-day running.

"Malaysians first. We will be promoting Malaysians into our national set-up. Our plan is to involve as many former players as we can in BAM but we will not be making any drastic changes,” said BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria.

Last week Misbun was confirmed as the new head coach for the men’s singles and Soon Kit was named head coach of the men’s doubles.