MARGAO
Former India captain Mauricio Afonso welcomed the FSDL decision to implement the four foreign players’ rule in the playing 11 for the ensuing Indian Super League for the year 2021-22.
Just like any other national coach and current India national coach Igor Stimac is no exception as he has also raised the concerns over the number of foreign players in the ISL.
“I have always believed that reducing the number of foreign players will be an advantage for the Indian players to play more games and improve. Better foreign players but less number on the field will be helpful for the local boys to compete with them and grow. I’m really happy with this development,” the former midfielder Afonso from Chinchinim told The Goan on Wednesday.
Afonso who was part of the most successful coaching staff of Dempo Sports Club when they won the five national titles, said the ISL clubs should give more chances to Indians as assistant coaches. “If you see in the I-League and ISL clubs, there are hardly any coaches and even the number of Indians as assistant coaches is few so the All India Football Federation and ISL franchise should be investing in the future by grooming Indian coaches as assistant coaches in the I-League and ISL,” said Afonso.
When asked about Indian player which impressed against Afghanistan in the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Afonso was pleased with Goan Glan Martin’s performance. “Martin’s has grown into the role of defensive midfielder for the Indian team in just three matches,” Afonso added.
