CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s Syed Sabir Pasha, who is the junior national football coach, has been appointed as assistant coach and grassroots head of Chennaiyin FC, the current Indian Super League champions.
Sabir, who works for the Indian Bank, is one of the finest players from Tamil Nadu to play for the country. His coaching experience and local knowledge of players prompted Chennaiyin to appoint him in place of the outgoing Vivek Nagul.
“We’ve been telling Chennaiyin FC to include more players from our city/state into the club. At least now, they have rightly given an opportunity to Sabir to be part of their coaching staff and grassroots development,” said M Kumaresh, vice president, Chennai Football Association.
Sabir, a former India forward, represented Tamil Nadu in the Santosh Trophy, finishing top scorer in two editions, and also played for the Indian Bank with distinction. The 44-year-old made several notable appearances for the India team, with his best moment coming in the 1995 South Asian Games in Chennai, where his goal helped India secure gold, which also happens to be the country’s last title in this tournament.
“Sabir is one of the finest players from our state to play for the country. He has vast experience and I’m sure his inputs will come in handy. It is a great honour for Chennai that he has been appointed assistant coach of the reigning champions of ISL,” complimented Kumaresh.
Sabir holds an AFC A coaching license, and has been head coach of Indian Bank, Tamil Nadu and the India U-19 national team. Sabir is also a good cricketer, and was once a regular player in the TNCA league.
“Sabir is the right man to head the grassroots wing. Even for our association, he has done lots of work at the grassroot levels. We are sure he will make all of us proud,” pointed Kumaresh.