We have been unable to secure our full regular squad: Gary White
Gary White, currently the Head Coach of Chinese Taipei had struck an instant chord with the Indian fans during his last visit to India as Guam’s Head Coach.
In a freewheeling interview with www.the-aiff.com, White mentioned about him personally looking forward to meeting the fans again, the limitless potential for Indian Football, Chinese Taipei’s gain from the hero Intercontinental Cup and much more.
EXCERPTS:
How much are you personally looking forward to be in India once again?
Personally I love India. My last visit as Head Coach of Guam National Team was quite an experience. It provided me the opportunity to soak in the culture and taste the culinary cuisines which are some of the reasons why India stands out. Last time we were there during the festive season and I was blown away with the hospitality that we received.
You also hit an instant chord with the Indian fans.
I was coming to it and you actually took it out from my mouth. The fans were just fantastic. I still remember the poster which they put up in the India vs Guam match in Bengaluru. It was the largest-ever poster ever created for a Football match. I remember they were colouring it out under the stadium stands when our players helped them to roll out the canvas.
The fans make the environment special and dynamic. I am actually looking forward to personally meeting them again.
What’s your assessment about the Indian National Team especially given the fact that they have had some wonderful results in the recent past?
I have seen it for myself, the manner Football has grown in popularity in India in recent times. The most significant thing is that when the National Team wins, everyone wins. Stephen (Constantine) and his staff have done a commendable job to get to where they are at the moment; the potential is limitless for Indian football in the future.
How much are you looking forward to the Hero Intercontinental Cup?
As the dates for the tournament do not fall in the official FIFA International calendar and due to our senior players being actively in the middle of the China Professional League season, we have been unable secure our full regular senior player squad. But where there is adversity there is also massive opportunity to grow, so in-fact this has become a goldmine opportunity for us. We will bring a younger team that will be preparing for the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.
How does that benefit?
We will get to see this group of players compete with higher ranked teams in a very competitive tournament. We will utilize this as a platform to test and evaluate their potential and ability.
The squad maybe young but it’s an extremely exciting and talented group of players. We will challenge the players to seize this opportunity to secure themselves a place in the first team squad for the rest of the 2018 games program. All the selected players will be looking to impress and leave a footmark in the team that I hope will give me a real headache for future selection for the senior National team.
This tournament will give us the priceless opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming Asian Games, which is socially and culturally a very important competition for Taiwan.
– Courtesy AIFF Media
Also Read: We all are confident to shoulder responsibility & deliver as situation demands: Jeje
Also Read: Tickets for Hero Intercontinental Cup available online
Click for everything about Hero Intercontinental Cup – Football Counter
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…