Warriors unveil German Pfister.
By: Nigel Simon (Guardian).
German Otto Pfister will be unveiled as coach of the Soca Warriors at a T&T Football Federation press conference to be staged at the Calypso Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain from 2 pm today.
The 74-year-old Germany got the nod of the local federation and its special advisor, Jack Warner after he topped a shortlist of candidates interviewed earlier this year.
The other nominees included former Holland international Irwin Koeman as well as fellow Dutchman, Johan Neeskens.
It was understood former Portugal and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz, was in the running but he later opted out of the race prior to a scheduled trip to meet with local officials and yesterday was appointed coach of Iran.
It was stated the T&TFF technical committee headed by technical advisor Keith Look Loy favoured the appointment of Pfister while contract negotiations were the final part of the agreement to be sorted out are being finalised.
Pfister is regarded as one of Germany’s most successful coaching exports, voted Africa’s Manager of the Year in 1992.
He has been to four African Cup of Nations competitions with Burkina Faso, Zaire, Cameroon and Ghana and reached the African Cup of Nations final twice, with Cameroon and Ghana. He won the Fifa Under-17 World Cup with Ghana and also coached Togo at the 2006 World Cup Finals.
During his visit in February, Pfister who qualified Saudi Arabia for 1998 France Fifa World Cup said he had experiences similar to that of T&T as he took Togo to the World Cup in Germany.
It’s a big challenge but it is possible with a professional conception,” Pfister added. On the job at 73, and having began coaching as a player coach at age 23 in Switzerland back in 1961, Pfister says working with young players, keeps him fresh and vibrant.
Look Loy had also commented that Pfister’s coaching resume was remarkable, having enjoyed success in 15 countries on three continents.
“He is well experienced in World Cup qualifying and final tournaments, and has managed some of the international game’s established names. This knowledge could serve us well,” said Look Loy.
However, contacted for comment on the financial support for Pfister’s salary which is expected to be more than $45,000, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Anil Roberts said his ministry had yet to settle on the financial support with the T&TFF.
In addition to the confirming of Pfister as senior team coach, all eyes will be focus on the support cast for the German as the local federation had previously stated it wanted a local group of assistant coaches to work alongside the experienced European.
This has led many to believe that former coach, Russell Latapy who’s contract came to end at the end of the Digicel Caribbean Cup in Martinique last December could be included as an assistant along with a few other former T&T internationals.
