Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: AFC Member Associations have been called on to apply all the resources that they have in a more strategic manner to be able to take Asian football to the next level.
A FIFA/AFC/OFC Conference for National Coaches and Technical Directors – 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil closed in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The three-day conference aimed at giving the participants a chance to analyse the key characteristics of the 2014 World Cup from both the technical and tactical perspectives.
AFC Executive Committee Member Kohzo Tashima, who spoke during conference’s closing, said: “I am convinced that we are not short of talent, dedication and ability, now it is about applying the resources that we have for the game in a more strategic approach.
“FIFA and the AFC have provided this platform for our MAs to do just that, and I believe that during the past three days we have learned a lot. Having gained much welcomed feedback from all the participants at the conference, I genuinely sense the eagerness for our teams to improve.”
“It’s very important to note that there’s no magical formula in developing football but what we need is consistency and continuity to develop our game from grassroots right up to the national team.”
Tashima reiterated the fact that the Member Associations (MAs) are responsible for their own development and that the AFC and FIFA will stand by the MAs to help them progress.
“Development should start at the national level, and on the AFC’s part, we will continue to offer our support in all aspects of the game. So it is upon you to truly commit to the cause.
“Similarly, this conference has also been fantastically organised and truly valuable to all of us. World Cup 2014 Brazil provided many lessons for our MAs and this conference is one of the many initiatives by FIFA and the AFC to help guide our teams towards better performances in the next editions.”
Tashima thanked FIFA for organising the conference in Asia and hoped the participants would bring home the lessons learned to build football in their respective nations.
“I would like to once again express my appreciation to FIFA for organising the conference, which I believe has been highly beneficial for everyone here. Hopefully you are able to carry forward what you have learned here and build on it for a successful future.”