The Philippine Badminton Association has tapped Indonesian Rexy Mainaky, a gold medalist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, as head coach.

Negros Occidental 3 rd District Rep. Albee Benitez, also the secretary general of PBA, said Mainaky is a veteran and tested player who can help the Philippine badminton.

Benitez, along with Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Mainaky gave their statements yesterday at the weekly forum of Manila-based sportswriters.

The congressman from Negros Occidental said they are looking at a four-year plan for Mainaky to serve the PBA as two years will not be enough.

“We just hired a good coach and that's the main plan. But we don't expect to win the gold overnight. It will take time. So we have to give him full support and hope he delivers,” Benitez said.

Also in praises for the Indonesian champion was Vice President Binay who believes that getting Mainay was PBA priority number one.

“He will help us realize our dream. By all means we wanted to get him. So, this is a milestone for us. He's our most expensive coach,” said Binay.

Officials were mum on how much the Indonesian will get from the PBA.

“He has the track record and we are optimistic. He is known to be a disciplinarian,” said Binay.

Mainaky, winner of the doubles gold in Atlanta , made his first public appearance as new head coach of the national badminton team.

“Hopefully I can build a Philippine team for the 2016 Olympics. That is my plan,” said Mainaky, who served as head coach in England and Malaysia in recent years.

The 44-year-old Mainaky, who also won the gold in the World Championships and other meets, had to turn down other offers, including Russia , to mentor the Philippine team.

“If I can't produce then I leave. But badminton is not all about a good coach. It's about teamwork,” added Mainaky, who will spend his first six months travelling around the country.

He hopes to gather as many talents, aged 12 to 17 years, to form the juniors team that should eventually carry the fight for the Philippines .*with a report from PNA

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