KARACHI Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa has said that the federation will consider Chief Coach Michel van den Heuvel's request for a supporting staff of experts. Speaking to Dawn on Saturday, Bajwa said the coach has already spoken to them regarding the matter and that they have no problems with the request.
“He is planning to call physical trainers, weight training and mental training experts apart from a goalkeeping coach, who will be visiting here from time to time to assist him in training the players,” said the Olympian fullback.
He was referring to Michel mentioning the need for a supporting staff of experts for the team during the press conference in Karachi here a day earlier.
The Dutch coach, while citing the example of World champions Australia, had said on the occasion “There they have entire institutions working for the promotion of the game. There are as many as 50 people working for the development of a single team so if we think we can achieve miracles with one coach, we are not smart.
“Whatever input I may bring with me will not just be for the national team but the juniors, Whites and the academy players, too.”
Asked if the coach wasn't happy with the goalkeeping coach Olympian Ahmad Alam, provided to him already, Bajwa explained “There is a difference between a goalkeeping coach and a trainer. Our former goalkeepers fit the latter category.”
He also added that the coaches and other training staff coming here would also be training the local experts.
Asked if the extra staff would cause the federation extra money as they are already paying Michel Rs1.1 million a month, the secretary said “We will manage it somehow for it is for the betterment of hockey. Besides, we have already promised Michel maximum facilities in his quest for the build-up of the game here.”