Panaji:
Salgaocar Football Club coach Derrick Pereira is elated at being adjudged the best coach for 2012-13 by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"It feels nice that my hard work has been appreciated by AIFF. I thank all those who supported me at Pune FC (his earlier I-League club) - the management, players and coaching staff," Pereira said here today.
The apex football body's Executive Committee yesterday selected Pereira as the best coach for 2012-13.
Pereira, who played for Salgaocar as a defender for nine years, started his coaching career with Vasco Sports Club before moving to Mahindra United for a four-year spell.
He then shifted to Pune FC for another your-year stint before returning to Salgaocar.
Pereira did well with Vasco SC where he groomed a young bunch of Goan and Brazilian players into a fighting unit and came close to claim the National Football League.
He then moved to Mahindra United with whom he won the National League crown and the Federation Cup.
"Staying away from my family was very tough. But my family stood by me. I believe in sacrifice and hard work. I will keep learning and work harder for Salgaocar," the 51-year -old former player stated.
"At Salgaocar, we have a good bunch of youngsters and experienced players who can compete at the national level. At the movement we have recruited two foreign players. Another two slots are vacant for which we are looking for quality strikers," Pereira added.
