Goa’s Armando Colaco (Dempo Sports Club) has been appointed as Team India’s interim coach for four months, his first assignment being in-charge of the team for the World Cup qualifiers and also the international friendlies.
The decision was approved at the AIFF Executive Committee meeting under the chairmanship of Praful Patel, president, at Football House, New Delhi, Friday. Besides, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, vice-presidents Subrata Dutta, Ankur Dutta, Joaquim Alemao were among those who attended the meeting.
The groundwork for Armando’s appointment was done by AIFF assistant general secretary, Anil Kamat of Chinchinim, who after several parleys with the coach briefed Kushal Das who then flew to Pune and finalised the negotiations.
Football fans and administrators alike hailed the appointment of Armando especially at a time when the top posts in AIFF are being managed by people from Bengal. “Armando was sidelined all these while, even when a Goan was occupying the hot seat of secretary. But never-the-less, the only Goan who is now in AIFF, Anil, provided the breakthrough for Armando to take over from Bob Houghton.”
“It’s nice. It’s every coach’s or manager’s dream to coach the National side, so, I’m delighted. This is now a different role for me, this job will need patience as I have to change the entire complexion of the game,” remarked Armando.
Armando stated it would be a challenge to get past the UAE although India beat the UAE 1-0 in Bangalore in 2001 for the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign under Sukhwinder Singh. "It will be a tough game for the team. Don't expect miracles. It takes time to build the team," admitted Armando.
Armando opined that India has been playing too many long balls. “We have to play the passing game if we want to taste success," he added. About the formation, Armando hoped to sit with the players to do an analysis and come out with a strategy. He agreed that there is need to add new faces.
India will face Pakistan in a three-match series next month in England and then will play two away international friendlies against Maldives (July 10) and Qatar (July 17). The first-leg in the UAE is slated for July 23 while India will host the return-leg in Delhi on July 28. The India’s Pre-World Cup Qualifier against UAE will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on July 28 and not Tamil Nadu as planned earlier.
The SAFF tournament will be held in Orissa as decided earlier, although there were moves to shift it to New Delhi from a certain quarter. On a proposal from Joaquim Alemao, the committee ratified the decision to stick to the 3+1 format as far as foreign recruits in the I-League are concerned.
The Committee referred the case of suspended Shillong Lajong player - Tuboi - to Players Status Committee which is slated for May 27.
The Team India’s friendly matches (Olympic team) against Pakistan will be subject to clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Committee agreed that it is critical to appoint a Technical Director at the earliest to assist in the Development Programme and appointment of coaches.
Shillong Lajong and Sporting Clube de Goa were felicitated for qualifying for next season’s I-League. Both teams, however, have to meet the AFC criteria. The AFC Inspection Team is due to visit the two clubs on June 11 and 12.The Committee took the decision that efforts should be intensified to find a sponsor for the Indian Arrows team by May 31. In case no sponsor is found, a decision will be taken by the Emergency Committee.
The Asian Football Confederation will conduct a workshop for I-League representatives in August and organise educational trips if necessary.
The proposal to hold the final phase of the 2nd Division League on a home-and-away basis has been referred to the Advisory Group on Competitions. The Advisory Group would also take a final decision on the participation of I-League Players in the local leagues.
The Committee decided that National Team midfielder NP Pradeep should publish an advertisement in a National Daily (all editions - at his own cost) making a disclaimer that he has not posted any derogatory comments on any social networking website and also apologise for any disregard caused to the AIFF and its officials. The AIFF is making efforts to telecast the semi-finals and the final of the Santosh Trophy on DD.
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