Hong Kong goalkeeping coaches inspired

The Brazilians beat Uruguay 2-1 and stormed into the final against Spain thanks to a goal by Fred (Frederico Chaves Guedes), a late Paulinho (José Paulo Bezerra Maciel Júnior) header and also Cesar’s fine denial of Uruguay striker Diego Forlan’s spot kick.

Cesar described his stop as the “most important penalty I was able to save”.

Former Japan national goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach Yoshio Kato, now an AFC Goalkeeping Instructor, has used Cesar’s save as a case-in-point to deliver a message in the second AFC Goalkeeping Coaching Certificate Course Level 1 in Hong Kong he is instructing.

“The example of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar finely saving a penalty kick and winning in the semifinal in the FIFA Confederations Cup against Uruguay inspires us the goalkeeping coaches,” he said during the course opening.

“Goalkeeping is a unique aspect of the game and an important component of the team. Excellent goalkeeping is critical in producing the desired results for the team, just like what happened for the Brazilian team.”

Twenty-two participants, including national goalkeeping coach Fan Chun Yip and former national head coach Liu Chun Fai, are taking part in the course.

Hong Kong FA CEO Mark Sutcliffe, Technical Director Stephen O’Connor and Coach Education Manager Chan Hiu Ming were present during the course opening ceremony.

In their addresses, Sutcliffe and O’Connor stressed on the importance of goalkeepers and reiterated the association’s commitment to coaches’ education including for the goalkeeping coaches.

There are three levels of the AFC Goalkeeping Coaching Certificate and holders of the Level 1 are eligible to proceed to Level 2 and then the highest credential, Level 3.

The Level 1 course in Hong Kong runs until July 7.

Photo: HKFA