PANJIM: FC Goa interim coach Clifford Miranda successfully completed a two-year AFC Pro Diploma Coaching course under Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) in Uzbekistan.
Clifford Miranda was among the four candidates who cleared the course among the 21, thus becoming the fifth Goan coach to achieve the feat after his colleague Derrick Pereira, Savio Medeira, Mariano Fernandes and Bruto Da Costa.
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Inspired from his former boss Arthur Papas, Clifford began his coaching licenses in 2014 where ‘he cleared the C License and then went on the complete B in 2016.
“Frankly speaking, I had never thought of becoming a coach until the day I met Arthur Papas and was impressed with his attention to the details of the game. That’s when I actually thought of getting into coaching. This was back when I was playing at Dempo,” explained Clifford.
“After playing for Churchill Brothers, Derrick convinced me to join FC Goa as the coach of the development team. And for me it was a simple decision. I did my best for the teams giving my 100 percent. Also not to mention, I acquired lot of knowledge under Derrick at the Development team which means in learning tactics and then I learnt about man management skills and tactical plans with Sergio Lobera and his coaching staff,” added Clifford.
Clifford completed his A license in 2017 and began with AFC Pro License in 2018 in November wherein he had to complete six modules in the span of two years, which meant he had to fly to Uzbekistan six times.
“The course was at Tashkent in Uzbekistan had to travel six times for every module. I had to go there to attend courses as well as assessments for 10-12 days. I did my final club attachment course in Germany at Red Bull Leipzig for two weeks and learnt a lot there,” added Clifford.
Clifford was humble and thanked the FC Goa management for helping in his journey and said, “I will always be thankful to Ravi Puskar and our President Akshay Tandon for their constant support.”
Well, with the change in some ISL rules and with AFC Pro License, Clifford Miranda is now eligible to coach an Indian Super League for the upcoming season.
Clifford’s contract with the club expires at the end of this season and the former India international is yet to learn about his future.
“I don’t know the future “, quipped Clifford, who added that he is open to offers but would like to hear from FC Goa first & love to stay there, “The role should be in a way which interests me and helps me in my growth and progress where I can move forward,” added Clifford.
Clifford enjoys attacking football but stressed on building up from the back with transitions (attacking & defending) as a very important aspect.
When asked to name his favourable eleven who would suit his style of football, Clifford laughed and tried to dodge the question, but finally managed to name the eleven he would prefer starting them if he had an option for free select.
“Since I like to build my game from the back, Mohammad Nawaz is the perfect keeper to play out from the back. He is technically very good with the ball which is the starting point of build up play from the back.” started Clifford.
“In the central defence I would prefer Fall and Tiri with Nishu Kumar and Mandar Rao Dessai on the flanks,” added Clifford.
There were more Gaurs in his pick as Clifford chose Jahouh as the holding midfielder along with Anirudh Thapa to partner the former Gaur. Coro and Hugo also made it to his list as the attacking players with former FC Goa Liston Colaco and Sunil Chettri also making the cut as the wingers in his side.
