Subas Humagain, Kathmandu
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has opted not to offer a new contract to Technical Director Gary Phillips. Australian Phillips who came to Nepal two and a half years ago also worked as Head Coach of Nepal Women’s National Team in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Phillips came to Nepal under AFC’s fund and has been working to enhance Nepal’s technical aspect, esp. Coach Education. After the AFC cut down funds citing COVID reasons last year, ANFA has opted not to continue with Phillips. His current contract with ANFA is due to expire this Wednesday.
‘AFC funded Phillips’ remuneration AFC Project. The project is no longer running, so we are not able to afford his cost from our resources,‘ said ANFA’s General Secretary Indraman Tuladhar.
Phillips announced his departure in LinkedIn stating, ‘2.5 years with Nepal FA as Technical Director/Women’s National Coach is done. More than happy with the foundations now in place. Great adventure/experience and challenges (a given) highly recommended to any football person. Get out there. Don’t over so no to opportunities. New search begins now.’
Philips emphasized developing Nepal’s playing philosophy which suited the country’s players and environment. The principle of ‘Gorkhali Spirit’ has been established and is being implemented from Grassroots football in various regions of the country.
Along with this, AFC also awarded All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with AFC Coaching Convention B Level certificate last month. Phillips worked closely with Coach Education unit to get the recognition. With this ANFA could deliver all courses up to B license level.
Phillips along with ANFA’s department head jointly promoted the path of technical education which is considered weak among Nepali coaches. Singh of Coach Education, Nabin Maharjan of Elite Youth, Manoj Ranjit of Grassroots, and Hari Khadka of Women’s Department worked closely to formulate the structure.
Phillips’ aimed to develop the Nepali philosophy from the grassroots and had plans to adopt Nepal’s principles and style at youth and senior level too. ANFA’s decision not to hire Philips after seeing its financial reasons has adversely affected technical education.
