Goa's Maymol is the Rocky of Female soccer

Herald: What made you decide to take up career in coaching? 

Maymol Rocky: Right from my playing career I have always admired my coaches and wanted to be in this profession after hanging my boots. I have been lucky to captain the Goa State Team which was an extra motivation. Later on I travelled with the State team initially as a Manager, and then as a Coach and both the experiences facilitated my growth as a Coach.

Herald: Did you face any difficulties when making coaching your career in football?

MR: One won’t be able to reach the destination without crossing the milestones. Yeah, I did face hurdles but the support was always there. Being the sole lady in many a Coaching Course, I always got support from male candidates and they have been helpful all throughout. I got to learn a lot from them.

Herald: How long have you been coaching?

MR:I have been coaching for the last 12 years. In 2005, I got my first opportunity from where there was no looking back. 

Herald: What was the feeling when you were declared the first women’s female head coach in football?

MR: In fact, I wasn’t aware that I was the first female Coach ever appointed to Coach India. I can only say that I was totally speechless when I heard about my appointment. Coaching my country was my dream and when it came true, it was too hard to believe. At the same time, it is the responsibility which I need to take up and not let AIFF down.

Herald: How are the preparations for the International Friendlies going on? How do you keep players fit?

MR: The Camp has started on a positive note. All the players have been very positive and are giving their 100 per cent on the field. The two Friendlies organised by AIFF will be a good experience for us.

Herald: What are the strengths of the squad? 

MR: The focus of the camp is on team work. Unity strengthens the team and helps the team reach top level. My team unity is my strength.

Herald: Were you a football player in your younger days?

MR: I started my sports career in Athletics. I was a product of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and it was in 2000 when I represented Goa in the National Championships. The next year, I made my International debut for the Women’s Senior Team and continued playing till 2012.

Herald: Do you think women can make a successful career in football/coaching?

MR: Of course. A woman can make a successful career in Football. At present there are lots of female professional coaches in India working in Government sectors and private academies.

Herald: What will be your next step in your career?

MR:I look forward to preparing the Women’s National Team in our aim to play in the AFC Finals and Qualify for the Women's World Cup.

H: What does India need to improve rankings?

MR:Play more International Friendlies. The matches against Malaysia will help us gain valuable International exposure.

Herald: How do you balance your personal life and football?

MR: It’s hard to have a personal life when you choose this kind of profession. You are always thinking about the game and stay busy with some assignment or the other.

Herald: Any moment which is unforgettable in your life?

MR: The moment when I was declared as Head Coach of my Country.

Herald: Goa has not been moving forward in football (men/women). What according to you does the State need to improve the same and shine at the national/international level?

MR: According to me, Coach Education programmes need to be given more priority. There’s a need to conduct lots of coaching and refresher courses along with more local tournaments to bring the players on the field.

Herald: Anything else you would like to say?

MR: All of the above I would like to thank my God, my parents, my Coaches, my friends, All India Football Federation, Sports Authority of Goa (Specially our Executive Director VM Prabhu Desai and Goa Football Association for their continuous support and inspiration.

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