Party Time over for Coach Stefanowski

Every time a foreigner is hired   as head coach of    Nepal’s national football team, expectations   go through the roof.  American   Jack Stefanowski’s appointment to the coveted position   was no exception.

He is the second foreigner in three years to have taken   charge of   a struggling Team Nepal that is desperately trying to break the jinx.

Coach Stefanowski’s year long contract with Nepal runs out probably in six months time. Whether his contract gets extended or not, is an open question.

As part of a deal between All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and   Plus One Fashion USA Corp (ANFA’s new sponsor), Coach Stefanowski and   his deputy Richard Orlowski   took charge of the Nepali squad.

With   the   Polish American born duo’s monthly remuneration   being   footed by the sponsor, ANFA did/does not have to pay anything to them; however, they have to take care of   their accommodation and other benefits that come   with the package of hiring a foreign coach.

Since   coach   Stefanowski’s takeover, nothing has changed   dramatically when it comes to team’s performance and approach to the game.  It is no surprise to me. There is   no way   he could   have turn things around over night or in a short span of time.

Otherwise,   a   persuasive, no nonsense and determined   coach   like Robert Grahams could have accomplished something   tangible   during his year long   stint with the team.

The   English coach did come within striking distance at   the last edition of the South Asian Federation Championship (SAFFC) in New Delhi, India.

It may be recalled that   Nepal, despite a solid preparation, coupled with a    decent performance fell short of achieving their goal.

Now a lot rests   on coach Stefanowski’s   shoulders.  The big question is: Can he live up to our expectations?   Six month into the job, admittedly, the coach is struggling to build a   formidable team.

His first assignment with Team   Nepal in the   AFC Challenge cup qualifiers in March 2013   ended in disappointment. He knows deep down inside he has great challenges ahead. 

Since then he had ample time to   work out a plan   to prepare the team   for the upcoming SAFFC.  It is yet to be seen whether he has laid out a blueprint to success for the team. I reckon he has but ultimately it comes down to getting enough support from ANFA.

As expected, coach Stefanowski aims high to build Nepal into a powerhouse in South Asia, and he is optimistic of his team’s chances in the SAFFC.  But in reality, it is easier said than done in the context of Nepali football.

In an effort to consolidate the national team, he has been looking for   talent overseas, lately. Undoubtedly, this is an   earnest   attempt on his part, however, it makes little sense to me.

I say this because   time is fast running out and   he has not addressed the   selection criteria.  Even if he finds players,  I  am not sure  if they  are  able to  make a quick transition and have the potential to make the  immediate impact on the team. Right now, time is of the essence.

Everyone knows   the talent pool in the country is   huge.  We have dime-a-dozen very promising and quality youngsters   who fit perfectly into the national team waiting on the wings. They deserve a chance   to prove themselves.

The coach should have   faith in   domestic talent   and build the team around them . These youngsters   can become   a good nucleus   for Team Nepal in the long term future   given the opportunity   and appropriate guidance and training.

For any   foreign coach, does not matter whether he is the best in the world , it is more than just a challenge to   take up coaching assignment in a country like Nepal.

The success  in achieving  of coaching  goals is  very much  determined by a combination of different  variables like  commitment to personal excellence, strong dedication, logistic support, adequate  facilities,  supportive football body, resources, time and  conducive environment to work.

At this point labeling   coach Stefanowski a disappointment would be very unfair.  Nepali football as it    stands today is   at a stagnant point.  Six months time   is too short    for any individual    to turn things around. In other words, it is simply not   possible.

The coach  seems   to get along really well with players   on and off the   field. That said,  more  important, he  must  tackle  ANFA in the most tactful   and assertive manner to get  things (that need )  done as per his needs.

While winning the SAFFC is doable, it certainly won’t be easy. Without a really good  preparation, physically fit players, coupled with a good number of quality friendlies,  success is out of the question.

After all is said and done,we will just wait and see   what the  coach   accomplishes   at the end of his contract.    Good luck coach.