Singgah Kuale

Last weekend, Aleng, Nab, Ed, Rashad, Aqwa and I went back to koleq to see the debating teams. My last visit was in October when I attended the annual dinner. Thus, it was important for us (or at least me) to catch up with the boys after not seeing them for almost five months.

We went back to koleq for two big reasons. Firstly, we had to do the demo debates in front of the juniors. Secondly, we had to conduct a screen test for the first formers to be recruited into both teams. All of us came to koleq by our own. Rashad arrived first in Kuale followed by me who took train all the way from KL Sentral. Aqwa, Ed and Nab came in the same bus while Aleng took his bus from Bukit Jalil.

Thank God, all went well except for the screen test. The teachers wanted us to do it on another arrangement. They thought it would be better for us to focus on the main team and discuss what to do for the upcoming debating competitions.

The programme started on Friday night with English Debate took place first. Ha ha it was quite difficult for the coaches to actually appear on stage and debate. You must know that they have stopped debating for quite a long time. Nevertheless, it was a good one for both sides. Ms Sherry and Ckg Hisham were there as well to watch the debate. Ckg Umi stayed at home throughout the weekend. We were informed that she was not feeling well since the North Zone competition.

On the next day, it was my turn with Aqwa and Aleng to debate with the present boys. The motion was ‘Wawasan 2010: Kita Belum Bersedia’. The initial plan was to have Aslam as the Prime Minister, but since he had to attend a Speech Day in his school, we replaced his position with Aqwa. We really enjoyed ourselves during the debate. Our job was to bombard them with argument and rebuttals so that they can learn how to counter both things during any debate. The pressure was actually on the debaters since they had juniors who were watching them from the beginning till the end (so, cannot lose face maa).

I would say it was a good training for them since the intense pressure during competition could be overwhelming sometimes. At least, now they know that it is not easy to produce a good debate when you are facing a big crowd. Hence, the boys must try to work harder :-)

On Saturday itself, some of the coaches had to leave early leaving Nab, Ed and Aleng (good combination ekh?) to proceed with other programmes until Sunday.

I would say that this retreat was vital due to several reasons.

First and foremost, this was the time when the whole coaching team regrouped again. We decided to close rank and look forward so that we are able to progress well. Before this, some of us have decided to take the separate ways and do their own things. Some of us have also decided to move on. Thus, for us to regroup again is essential as it would send a clear message that we are all geared up to help the boys.

Secondly, I think to continue what Abg Raf and Co. did for us for the past seven years would mark as a sign of appreciation towards them. Yes, it is not that easy since we have to navigate so many things at one time (plus with the unexpected ones!), but with this band of brothers, I assure you everything should be fine (err that is quite an overstatement I think). After all, we have QUE SERA SERA to be our constant reminder :-)

So, what are we waiting for? Interschool Debating Championship is coming soon. To the boys, please work hard. Pray hard.

To the coaches (and brothers) please work and pray hard as well. A bigger test is waiting for us and let’s start drum up all the support we need in one week time!

p/s: Orang tua cakap orang-orang muda cepat excited bila buat kerja. Contoh manusia manusia itu adalah seperti aku. Jangan cepat give up sudah.