Luis Norton named U-17 coach
NEWDELHI:The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday appointed Portugal’s Luis Norton de Matos as the head coach of the India U-17 team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled to be held in October this year.
A former manager with the Benfica Reserve side, De Matos replaces Nicolai Adam, who was forced to resign under controversial circumstances after a revolt from the players.
De Matos had earlier met the AIFF Advisory Committee comprising former India captains Bhaichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan apart from Sports Authority of India DG Injeti Srinivas for interviews.
He also met AIFF president Praful Patel in Mumbai on Tuesday for a final round before the parent body zeroed in on him. He has had five appearances for the Portugal national side.
“My role will be to orchestrate everything wherein the players will be playing their part,” he told the AIFF Committee.
“I admire AIFF’s vision and the U-17 World Cup will act as a base for development of football in India. The players need to believe in themselves to do something special,” he stated.
HIMALAYAN DRIVE NEW DELHI: Asgar Ali and Muhammad Mustafa continued their reign for the fourth successive day of the Biswa Bangla JK Tyre Himalayan Drive 5. The five-day rally that began in Siliguri went all the way to Bhutan before returning to India and then making its way to Nepal. On the final day, on Thursday, it will come back to Siliguri. BEFORE BEING COACH, TONI’S MY UNCLE: RAFA
MUMBAI: Rafael Nadal has opened up about his amicable split with long-time coach uncle Toni at the Mexican Open in Acapulco where he is currently competing as the second seed.
Earlier this month, Toni took everyone by surprise — especially Rafael Nadal — when he announced that 2017 will be the last year of his coaching association with his nephew.