Former top table tennis coach is new head of CFA
Print Edition
China’s former table tennis coach was named head of the national football association in the hope of lifting the sport out of doldrums.
Cai Zhenhua’s appointment as head of the Chinese Football Association took some people by surprise and carries strong hopes that the former champion paddler would bring some of his winning methods in football.
China has only qualified for one World Cup in 2002. His most pressing task will be hiring a head coach for the men’s national team.
Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho was fired in June after a string of poor results.
“There’s no time for me to feel honored or thank anyone on being made the CFA chief. Time is the essence and tasks ahead of me are pressing. What I can say is only three words — determination, confidence and perseverance,” Cai told a gathering yesterday.
“Given the cruel reality, a radical change is necessary for China’s football industry. My interpretation of determination is more than just slogans ... I’m determined to do some practical things for China’s football.
“Last year, Guangzhou Evergrande was like a bomb. The club’s success was not just because of money, but had also to do with management and a combination of building a club and a national team.
“I know that football job is hard, and is like taking a road of no return. I don’t have any other choice but to walk down to the end.
“Since ancient time, Chinese people have nurtured dreams of flying to the moon. Now China has realized it by sending a spacecraft to the moon.
“So I’m very confident that China can also realize its football dream and play in style in the world soccer arena.”
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
