FATORDA: Just days after former India U-17 World Cup coach Nicolai Adam and All India Football Federation parted ways, Goan fans gave mix response on the idea of having foreign or Indian coach to guide the national team.
The Adam void is presently filled by caretaker-coaches Mariano Dias and Savio Medeira, who took to the field with the U-17 World Cup squad at the artificial turf, Fatorda for their first training session, recently.
Alvito D’Cunha, manager-cum-assistant coach of East Bengal, stated that lot of things can be learned from foreign coaches but our Indian coaches are equally qualified and can coach the national team.
“Savio is qualified with the skills and tactics formulas and he can coach this team,” Alvito opined.
Oswaldo D’Costa, ex-footballer said that after hearing the news of U-17 Indian team practicing at Fatorda, he was delighted to watch Indian coaches — Savio and Mariano training this team.
“I hope these coaches get selected as future coaches for this team. Both have played football for long time,” added Oswaldo.
Commenting on foreign coaches, Oswaldo said, “The coaches have different ideas, opinion and philosophy too. I’m happy to see Indian coaches training on the field and hope these two Indian coaches can be considered for the role.
Further, Oswaldo said that he had observed in recently held BRICS Cup and AFC Cup in Goa that most of the participating countries had their own national coaches.
Alex Dias, Curtorim Gymkhana U-20 coach and Menino Rodrigues, a die-hard football fan of Raia were in the opinion that foreign coaches make huge difference but Indian coaches know the agility of Indian players better.
Succor Vaz, promoter of football and Futsal in Goa; Anjan Naik, Benny Viegas,Vice-President of Goan Hockey expressed their desires of hoping to see a Indian origin coach for the vacant position.
While many hoped for Indian origin coaches for the team, there were few in the opinion of having foreign coaches to guide the team with their global exposure.
Jovito Lopes, a senior sports journalist said that a foreign coach can give better justice to the role.
“The coach has to be well experience in youth competitions, and the person has to be renowned person and must have World Cup level exposure too,” Jovito said.
Further, Jovito added, “India may not have that type of coaches with such exposure.”
Steven Baptista, St Sebastian UC, Benaulim midfielder was of the opinion that foreign coaches too are the need of the hour as they have more knowledge.
Bernardinho Velho, and Custodio Almeida both GFA match commissioners were of the opinion that Indian coach is a must with foreign coach.
Mario Vales, GFA match referee said, “Foreign coach is needed as they are more experienced and their techniques are advanced.”
Sham Gawli, Raia FC coach said, “India too have qualified coaches no doubt foreign coaches are better too.”
When contacted Nilangan Dutta, AIFF media team, disclosed that the advertisement will be given for the selection of the Indian coach these days and the concerned committee will decide on this matter, whether to recruit a foreign or Indian coach.
