Madeira to coach national team till May 2012

With interim coach Armando Colaco rejecting the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) offer to extend his contract by one year, deputy coach Savio Medeira was promoted to the post of the coach of the Indian team, till the expiry of his contract in May 2012.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, after consultation with executive committee members yesterday, decided to hand over the formal letter to Medeira, who has been working as deputy to former coaches Bob Houghton and Armando Colaco for the past three years.

AIFF had tried to rope in Salgaocar Sports Club coach Karim Bencherifa for the top post but he too refused citing club commitments.

"Its a great honour to be India's coach. But at the same time its a huge responsibility as well," the 46-year-old Medeira told PTI.

Asked whether he will continue with the same supporting staff and preparatory camps, the former India mid-fielder said he will meet Das on Monday in Delhi to sort out the things.

"I have asked Marcus Pacheco (the current goalkeeping coach) to be the assistant coach besides looking after goalkeeping. The supporting staff will remain the same," he added.

Medeira said his immediate concern was the three upcoming international friendlies, against Malaysia on November 13 and 16 at Assam and Kolkata respectively, and against Zambia on November 29 at Goa.

"Given the tight schedule of the I-League we are expected to have a one day camp prior to our first friendly. I hope we do well," he said.

The biggest challenge though would be the SAFF Cup when India defend their title, which they won with a reserve side in Bangladesh, at home in December, he added.