JOIN USBangalore, dhns: India are on the hunt for a hockey coach after Jose Brasa’s contract came to an end last week and former international Maneyapanda Muthanna Somaya says the country should go for the best man irrespective of his nationality.
“See, it’s about capability and the kind of depth they bring to the team,” said Somaya, who was a guest at the Super Special Stage of the K-1000 rally here on Sunday.
“It does not matter if it’s an Indian or a foreigner. They should have knowledge of the game and have good man management skills to handle the Indian team,” added Somaya, who was part of India’s gold-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.
“We need to hire a coach and keep him for at least four years in order for him to really work to his potential. Cutting their contracts short is only going to ruin the condition of the sport in the country,” he added.
When asked if he was willing to take up the job if offered, said, “If I get a chance to, I will. But the point is that, I will take time to get there. I’m not willing to just take up a coaching job at the highest level without starting with the juniors.”
India had to settle for bronze medal at the recent Asian Games, after losing to Malaysia in the semifinal. Pakistan, who had lost to India at the league stage, won the gold.