Wim Koevermans named as new Team India Coach

The AIFF officially confirmed today that Dutchman Wim Koevermans has been appointed as the new India Senior National Team Coach! Koevermans, whose last assignment was with the Republic of Ireland as High Performance Director, was unveiled by the AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das at the AIFF Headquarters, the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi.

Koevermans, who signed a two-year contract earlier in the day, takes charge of his new job from July 1, 2012.

"It's an honour to be here in India," Koevermans said in his first official interaction with the India media. "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," Koevermans declared.

Koevermans was part of the Netherlands squad which won the 1988 European Football Championship in Germany under coaching legend 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, explained the logic behind employing him as the new Coach. "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," Kushal Das maintained.

Earlier in the day, Koevermans met AIFF President Praful Patel and interacted with the AIFF's Executive Committee members at the Udyog Bhawan. At that meeting Koevermans made a presentation about his approach for Team India which was appreciated by all.

The former Dutch International defender thanked Mr. Patel and the Executive Committee for inviting him to India to coach the national team.

"Coach Education stays one of the most pertinent points. Good Coaches will always make a difference at any level," Koevermans, who would be also involved in Coach Education during his tenure in India, opined.

Koeverman's first assignment will be at the 2012 Nehru Cup which is set to be played from August 23 to September 2.

The appointment of Koeverman's comes close to 15 months after long-time coach Bob Houghton had left Team India with Armando Colaco and Savio Medeira being India coaches in-between. With Koeverman's the AIFF hopes to have appointed a coach who can take Team India forward.