Team Herald
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PANJIM: It’s a reunion for Edward Ansah with Churchill Brothers SC after a span of 15 years. The Ghanian goalkeeper who played for the Red Machines for six years, returned to his ‘father figure’ — Churchill Alemao to help Churchill Brothers SC for the 2019-20 season.
“Churchill has been like a father to me and I want to thank him and the people of Goa for accepting me back. I was following the team closely throughout and was always in touch with Club president Churchill Alemao,” explained Churchill Brothers newly appointed Head coach Edward Ansah.
Edward Ansah played for Churchill Brothers for six long years and was standout in the goal. His best result was in 2002 wherein they finished runners-up only to lose the I-League title to rivals Mohun Bagan. However, the Ghanian, despite having experience at the highest level, chose to pursuit coaching with I-league side Churchill Brothers SC.
Edward earlier served at Hearts of Oak as head coach and also had a brief spell at Ghana Premier League side Bechem United.
“I always try to win. When I was a player, I played to win and now as a coach my target is to win. My vision is to play in AFC Cup. If that has to happen then we have to strive and win the I-League to achieve our target,” explained Edward, who had been the goalkeeper coach for Ghana national team at two World Cups.
Edmund explained that it’s a little stressful as a coach then a player after the team’s training session at the famous Dando ground, at Benaulim, on Friday.
“But with good attitude and confidence you can manage it and moreover you need that aptitude as a coach which I realised I had it as a player,” added Edward.
The team was seen busy working on build-up play, set pieces and formation play as Edward’s vocals guided the players throughout the 120 minutes.
“We have quality players but we will have to change their mindset and their mentality and the way they behave on the field. We have good players.” expressed Edward who recently joined the team through the team officially began their training from July 7.
The team has signed many prominent players from Aizawl, Sporting Clube and when sought to know about the foreign recruits, Edward replied, “I learnt that some players will be joining us but they are yet to arrive. Plaza will be joining us soon. So once they come we will come to know.”
Last season Churchill Brothers SC finished fourth in the I-League while their domestic league result weren’t great as they finished fifth. However, this time around, coach Edmund has stressed on the importance of the domestic platform which could help the players trying to break into the main squad.
“When you play in two leagues (I-League & Goa Pro League) there are chances things get a bit complicated. But we have to balance the squad by rotating the players. We have to make sure that we use the players in two areas so that they can concentrate well. We can give a GPL as a platform for the players who are trying to break into the I-League side,” concluded the head coach.
