It’s a dream come true for the Vodafone National Futsal head coach Mira Sahib who leads the team to the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2019 in New Caledonia.
Sahib has captained the national team on many occasions, however transitioned from being a player to the head coach has always been his dream.
“It has always been my dream to coach a national team especially futsal,” he said.
“Well it has been very challenging since being a player and being a coach are totally two different fields.
“As a player we think we know too much about the game but when you become a coach I realized how many things I did not know.”
He said it has been a great experience coaching these players and becoming a coach.
“I for one still have to learn a lot about Futsal and coaching and this opportunity will give me a chance in becoming a better coach in the future.
“I thank the CEO Mr Yusuf, the president Mr Patel and board members for giving me the opportunity to coach a national team.”
In his first experience as a coach, he faced quite a few challenges in building up a formidable squad together.
“The challenges were the availability of players. Some players could not join because of work and school. Also there were injuries to some players and they had to leave the team.
“Players were transitioning from football to futsal so going through the basics and mastering them was a big challenge for me as a coach and the players but I must say these players were responding well.”
The 36-year-old who made his debut in the national side in 2004 in Canberra, Australia always looked up to his father Hussein Sahib as his inspiration.
“My father always inspired me to become a good role model so I always want to inspire and be a role model to other people and futsal is one way I can do that.
“I would like to thank the district officials for their support in the Vodafone Futsal Leagues and hope to get their continued support in future.
“Also would like to thank Lami Futsal, Suva Futsal and Nasinu Futsal for conducting local league competition which helped the players to play more Futsal.
“I would also like to thank the family members of the players and officials for their support. I have to thank Jerry Sam for coming and sharing his experience and knowledge with the team.
“I thank my father for inspiring and giving me knowledge about Futsal and my mother for her support, my other friends and families for their support.
“Lastly I would like to thank my wife for supporting me throughout this wonderful journey and without her support it would have not been possible for me.”
