The All India Football Federation (AIFF) today confirmed Wim Koevermans as India's new football coach for next 2 years.
Dutchman Wim Koevermans was Friday unveiled by Kushal Das, the general secretary of All India Football Federation (AIFF) at its headquarters here, as the new senior team's coach.
Koevermans, who has signed a two-year contract, takes charge of his new job from July 1.
"It's an honour to be here in India," Koevermans told reporters here. "I'm looking forward to meeting the boys. I have travelled in many countries and have been fortunate to have played with some greats and also coached by some legendary coaches," he declared.
Koevermans was part of the Dutch squad which won the European Football Championship in 1988 under Rinus Michels.
"I've watched some videos of the Indian team's recent matches. I will travel to Muscat along with technical director Rob Baan to watch India's matches in the forthcoming AFC U-22 Championship," he informed.
Kushal Das, who presented an Indian jersey to Koevermans, said he was looking forward to working with the Dutchman.
"We didn't want to hurry into selecting the new coach. We look forward to working with Wim. The AIFF will be extending its support to him in every possible direction," he maintained.
Wim's first assignment will be at the Nehru Cup which kicks-off August 23. The executive committee decided the tournament will consist of five-teams including India and would be played on a round-robin basis. The top two teams would qualify for the final which is slated for September 2. The prize money of the Nehru Cup has been doubled to $200,000 from $100,000.
Meanwhile, Ranti Martins of Dempo SC was named as the best forward and player of the I-League season 2011/12. He was adjudged after votes from all I-League team captains and coaches. Armando Colaco (Dempo) was named the best coach; Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), the best goalkeeper; Mahesh Gawli (Dempo), the best defender and Climax Lawrence (Dempo), the best midfielder.
--with IANS inputs
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