KARACHI, Aug 5: PHF secretary Akhtarul Islam took a sharp U-turn on Saturday when he named Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh as the new manager-cum-chief coach till next month’s World Cup, replacing Asif Bajwa who stepped down after a string of horrendous performances during the past few seasons.

Shahnaz’s appointment was a surprise decision since on the very first day of taking charge as the new secretary Akhtar had categorically said that local Olympians lacked the modern coaching skills for which a foreign coach was more suitable.

Although the secretary clarified that he had “great respect” for the senior Olympians, yet he maintained that they didn’t have the skills of a professional foreign coaches.

Interestingly, Akhtar himself is an Olympian and has stepped into Pakistan hockey after three decades since his retirement when he replaced Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan as secretary on July 31.

In the new set-up, Shahnaz, a former Pakistan player, will be assisted by former captain Nasir Ali while Shahid Ali Khan has been retained as goalkeeping coach till the Sept 6 to 17 hockey extravaganza in Monchengladbach, Germany.

It was on July 1, 2003 that Shahnaz had called it quits citing personal commitments and a controversy regarding Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmad who had gone to Germany.

Although Shahnaz was exonerated by inquiry committee from charges of instigating the pair to play abroad, it is yet be seen if the Jeddah-based PIA official would be able give enough time to hockey.

Akhtar said following their brief stint the three Olympians would be replaced by a foreign coach who would take over charge for a long-term assignment, probably for two years till 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Asked why PHF didn’t go for a long-term contract with Pakistani coaches while PHF felt foreign coaches should be at helm for a longer duration with the team, Akhtar said it was because of “technical aspects.”

“We need somebody who can coach our players on modern lines. If we can send our children abroad to study, it means the people out there are more competent, then why can’t we brought those people to our country so we can learn something and get benefit from them,” Akhtar told a press conference at Hockey Club of Pakistan.

Akhtar said since no foreign coach was willing to take reins of the team when World Cup is hardly 30 days ahead, PHF had no option but to give Shahnaz the charge of the hot seat.

“We had approached some local Olympians who refused to take the team for such a short duration and especially when world Cup is round the corner. Same was the situation with foreign coaches.

“Which foreign coach will take up the responsibility of the team at this stage? We talked to Shahnaz, Nasir and Shahid and told them in clear terms that they will be in-charge only till World Cup and they accepted the offer,” explained Akhtar.

Asked to identify the Olympians who refused to accept the assignment, the secretary flatly refused.

However, sources say Hanif Khan and Manzoorul Hassan were not willing to take charge for a short duration, although latter had stated on Friday he would accept the job even if it was till World Cup.

“We had no choice. Shahnaz is a big name that’s why we selected him for the job,” he said unconvincingly when asked about the criteria of picking the new team officials, especially when trio had served with the team in same capacities before being shown the door.

“Last time Shahnaz was coach we won Azlan Shah Cup but now we even lost that invitational tournament,” Akhtar said admitting hockey had seen a sharp decline in the recent years but was at loss when pointed out that it was under Shahnaz that Pakistan were relegated from Brisbane Champions Trophy in 1999.

Ironically, Akhtar said Shahnaz had been advised not to compromise on indiscipline among players when he was pointed out that the new manager was famous owing to his involvement of ugly incident at 1972 Munich Olympics following which Pakistan were slapped a ban.

The secretary said while Asif gave a CD showing the matches at Terrassa Champions trophy, he was yet to submit a written report of the tour.

“Asif came on Thursday and submitted his resignation. He gave me a CD and wished to discuss the tour verbally. However, I have asked him to submit a written report which he will submit soon,” he said.

While Akhtar promised there would be some more administrative changes in the days ahead, he said he could make mistakes, but assured there would be no favouritism. “Good days are ahead. I am sure we will reach in World Cup final.”