Baichung Bhutia, the football icon of India, has started a new chapter of his life when he took up the onerous burden of coaching his team, United Sikkim FC. After a shocking defeat in their last I-League match against United SC by ten goals to one, Baichung replaced the previous coach Philippe de Ridder and himself took the charge of motivating his sinking team. However, de Ridder is not sacked, but is assigned a new job of the Football Director of the Club.
Baichung's role as a coach cannot be on a permanent basis as he does not have AFC 'A' License. According to the AFC Club Licensing Criteria, the I-League clubs must appoint coaches having AFC 'A' License degree or equivalence. Hence, Baichung has to search for a new coach with requisite qualifications. It is learnt that the financial condition of the club is not convincing and thus the possibility of appointing a foreign coach is less.
Baichung, as a footballer, did many wonders in the past, it is interesting to see whether he can revive his club in the ongoing I-League. It may be a temporary arrangement, but the football lovers of this country can expect the 'only' football icon of India to serve Indian football in a different way. Let's wait and watch.
Baichung's role as a coach cannot be on a permanent basis as he does not have AFC 'A' License. According to the AFC Club Licensing Criteria, the I-League clubs must appoint coaches having AFC 'A' License degree or equivalence. Hence, Baichung has to search for a new coach with requisite qualifications. It is learnt that the financial condition of the club is not convincing and thus the possibility of appointing a foreign coach is less.
Baichung, as a footballer, did many wonders in the past, it is interesting to see whether he can revive his club in the ongoing I-League. It may be a temporary arrangement, but the football lovers of this country can expect the 'only' football icon of India to serve Indian football in a different way. Let's wait and watch.
