Aizawl want Derrick as coach

PANAJI: Aizawl FC are trying to convince Derrick Pereira to guide them in the I-League where they will debut this season.

Aizawl is the first club from Mizoram and the fourth from the north-east to qualify for India's premier football competition and are keen to have one of India's better-known coaches on their roll.

"They have made an offer to me but I am yet to decide. One reason why I left Pune FC was to be with my family in Goa and now to pack my bags again will be a difficult decision," said Derrick.

Aizawl, though, are willing to wait in their attempt to sign the man who has won the I-League with Mahindra United and has put up impressive performances at every club he has coached.

Derrick's last coaching assignment was with Salgaocar FC, his boyhood club, who did well in his first year, fighting for the I-League title, but barely managed to escape relegation on the final day against Dempo Sports Club.

Derrick won the Durand Cup with Salgaocar FC and made it to the semifinals of the Federation Cup.

Should he eventually decide to move to Aizawl FC in Mizoram, it will be a huge boost to the league newcomers. Aizawl are Mizoram's first representatives in the I-League, while the other three teams -- Shillong Lajong FC, Royal Wahingdoh and Rangdajied United -- are all from Meghalaya.

Aizawl FC was formed in 1984 and started off as an amateur club before having to shut shop after a decade. Current owner and president of the club, Robert Romawia Royte, is reported to have played a significant role in the revival of the club which won the Mizo Premier League and eventually qualified for India's premier football competition.