Lalitpur, October 19

FIFA Instructor Jochen Figge, who helped Nepal win football gold medal in the first South Asian Games in 1984, kicked off the FIFA MA Elite Coaching Course here today.

German national Figge was head coach of the men’s team who defeated Bangladesh 4-2 in the final of the regional championship at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

Figge, who landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday, said Nepal holds an important place in his heart since he won international title for the nation. “I am very pleased to be in Nepal again. I have observed Nepali football very closely and the team has potential to do even better. I think Nepal should not just limit themselves to playing with the neighbouring countries and should explore beyond that. And the team also needs to work extremely hard,” Figge said during the opening ceremony of the course.

ANFA Acting President Narendra Shrestha, who was chief guest of the programme, lauded Figge’s efforts in helping Nepal win the international medal. “We have with us a very qualified and an experienced coach from Germany. He won us the title back in 1984 and I am proud to mention that Nepal have kept the momentum alive by winning the title this year,” said Shrestha.

“Football is an ever-changing sport. In 1984, the tactics and strategies were different from what imply these days. I request all of you to make the best out of this course and implement the knowledge in your work,” he said.

A total of 30 participants are taking part in the five-day course.

Bal Gopal Maharjan, Hari Khadka, Rajendra Tamang, Rabindra Silakar, Meghraj KC, Sunil Kumar Shrestha, Chet Narayan Shrestha, Yam Prasad Gurung, Nabin Neupane, Chhiring Lopsang Gurung, Bikash Gauchan, Darshan Bhakaraj, Pasang Tamang, Paras Chaudhary, Kumar Thapa, Binod Lama, Kishor Kumar KC, Urjan Shrestha, Ramesh Maharjan, Bijay Maharjan, Hari Om Shrestha, Raj Kumar KC, Salyan Khadgi, Chun Bahadur Thapa, Sanjeet Singh, Mangal Maharjan, Purushottam Thapa, Sanoj Shrestha, Mrigendra Mishra and Aruna Gurung are taking part in the course.