Three translators for English. Weekly two sessions for English learning. Four support staff imports from Germany. Different cultures, differing views of sporting success. But the German Coach Jamilon Lorenzo Muelders is enjoying his sojourn in China. The former German star has taken up the task of seeing Chinese women qualify for the 2020 Olympics, but he would never know how long he will be given tenure.

The Chinese girls here were anxiously waiting and watching the entire Japan-Malaysia match. Each time Japan struck a goal, their faces brightened, so also their chance to make it to the semifinal of the Asian Games hockey event here in Jakarta.

When ultimately, Japan pulled off a 3-1 win, the Chinese team rejoiced. They will be in the semis on better goal difference than Malaysia. The team visibly celeberated before the Muelders settled down for a chat with www.stick2hockey.com.

“My trget now is to qualify for the next Olympics, we are working hard towards that. This tournament is a great opportunity for us”, he said.

On asked how it feels working in a different country, he gives an impression of enjoying in a different culture. He empasizes it will take good mesure of time before definite results start coming.

“I joined ten months ago, and put together a team of support staff, all from Germany. We have physiotherapist, Manager etc from Germany. Yes, there is communication gap. We have three translators all the time with us. The girls undergo two session of English learning every week. The communication gap is coming down”.

But will he get sufficient time to make his results happen? He understood the message behind the quetion and was straightforward in his reply

“Yes. The Asians talk about long term vision etc, but in general they don’t give long term for coaches to achieve. It happens elsewhere also. This is not a problem that I confront or the one that worries me. I am a professional. Keeping me or any other staff member is the their choice. As long as am their choice, I am there, will work. But will not think about it all the time”. Muelder is clear in his thoughts.

Mueller joined Chinese only last October. It wont be easy for him to get China Tokyo ticket. A victory here in Jakarata can ensure, but he is alive to the fact that China is not number one team here.

“India, Japan, China and Korea are strong teams here, and they rank that way. We are, on form wise, third here. Its good if we can make it here, but other teams are stronger as I rank them above’.

On the chances of China winning India, he is cautious. I have been watching India for long time. I find them improved a lot in the last one and half years. Their trainers must have worked hard to improve them so much. Indians are not only imroved side, they have wonderful players in their ranks. In particular, am delighted the way Vandana Katariya plays. What a talent she is!

“Fullback Gurjit Kaur is another player who catches eyes”

“Am happy to see so may Asian girls’ team play so well. I wish the girls of India and Malaysia achieve before their men’s. They are hugely talented, and worth a big thing anytime”