Heuvel will return: PHF

Federation plans to address coach’s concerns when he visits Pakistan.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has given national coach Michel van den Heuvel ‘review time’ to decide his return  to the role, claiming it was absolutely certain that the Dutch will turn up to fulfill his commitments to the organisation.

“The contract was initially made for five months but he made a commitment till the 2012 Olympics,” said PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa, while adding that the Dutchman would be watching the players in action during the National Hockey Championship. “He has showed some reservations on some matters which will be addressed after his return.”

Heuvel began having concerns about the turbulent situation in Pakistan after the team won the Asian Games gold which, according to Bajwa, were justified.

“We’ll have a detailed discussion about his issues. Otherwise, we’ve had an informal commitment and I’m pretty sure that he will stick to that commitment.”

PHF in financial crisis

Meanwhile, The Express Tribune has learnt that the federation has been undergoing a severe financial crisis and had a budget deficit of Rs3 billion. Various players have not received their fees either for the last two months. The gold medal winning squad is also awaiting the perks announced by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

“Ups and down are the part of the life but I can confirm that there is never an alarming situation,” said Bajwa. “The PHF is hopeful that things will be upright very soon.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2011.