“It’s not easy for a single person to change the performance of a team,” said Heuvel at his first press conference after arriving in Pakistan earlier this week. He added that he would need the services support staff in the near future, a request the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has assured him of fulfilling.
Coach aims for the Olympics
Heuvel said his main aim with the Pakistan team is to get good results in the 2012 London Olympics, terming this November’s Asian Games as the team’s first major test.
“The Asian Games will be a difficult assignment. Teams like South Korea, India and China are tough opponents but we have a lot of talent to give me hopes. As a teenager, I saw Pakistan players flying as they were very fast and my aim is to see this beautiful green team fly again.”
Although Heuvel expressed his satisfaction over the fitness levels of the squad members, he confirmed that the levels will be maintained throughout the year as fitness is key to good performance.
Heuvel seeks say in selection
The Dutchman also requested a say in selection matters for the national side, a notion welcomed by chief selector Hanif Khan who was present at the press conference. Khan promised that the team will be selected with the mutual consent of the selection committee and the coach for the sake of Pakistan hockey.
Heuvel’s appointment was widely criticised by many sections as, according to them, it would conflict with the Asian style of hockey that Pakistani players are used to and good at. Confirming that he would not impose European style of hockey on the players, Heuvel said, “Pakistan have their style of hockey and I won’t ask them to change their technique.”
Seniors still in the frame
He also said that he wanted a balanced side to take on the field and selection of seniors or juniors was not a huge issue for him. “I want a balanced combination. Seniors along with juniors would make a good squad.”
The chief selector, however, reminded the seniors that they were not an automatic choice anymore. “The players who prove their fitness and perform well in the camp will get a place in the team. Simple as that,” said Khan.
No security issues for the coach
The foreign coach also shrugged aside any security fears while in Pakistan.
“I am meeting people, it’s a normal atmosphere here in Pakistan like other parts of the world and I feel totally comfortable.”
Manager content with coach’s performance
Manzoor Hussain Junior, who emerged at the national hockey scene after leading the Pakistan side to Los Angeles Olympic glory in 1984, said he took the post of team manager as a challenge to improve the slump in the national sport of the country.
“I took the job as a challenge,” he said. “We’re wor-king together for hockey promotion and I’m very happy with the coach’s work so far.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2010.
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