Date:22/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/22/stories/2007092256571800.htm

Sport - Football

Hindustan hires Bernard

NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at introducing professionalism at the local level, G4S Hindustan Football Club has hired Bernard Oparanozie as coach for this season.

Bernard is a well-known name on the circuit from his debut in 1989. The Nigerian was a competent defender with clubs like Sesa Goa, Mohun Bagan, JCT, FC Kochin and Mahindra & Mahindra.

“I had always wanted to play in Delhi. I admire the professional set up of the Hindustan Club and look forward to the challenge. I have watched just a couple of matches in Delhi league. “Honestly, not much is known of Delhi league outside, but I know it can be an interesting job,” said Bernard, at an interaction organised at the Chelmsford Club here on Friday. Bernard is the second foreigner to coach a local club in Delhi after Cheema Okerie, who has been engaged by the New Delhi Heroes. One of the oldest clubs — Simla Youngs — is also engaged in the process of hiring a foreigner as coach. Reflecting on the football scene in India, Bernard, who was converted into a defender from a striker by Syed Nayeemuddin, noted, “you have to have good coaches to improve the overall quality of the players. I firmly believe in making the best of what I have.”