PHF holds discussions with German hockey coach Lissek

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation has held discussions with German coach Paul Lissek as part of their plan to appoint a foreign coach for its national team which recently finished last in the World Cup in New Delhi.

Pakistan’s 12th position in the World Cup led to the federation sacking the team management including coach Shahid Ali Khan.

PHF secretary Asif Bajwa confirmed that Lissek had come down to Lahore to meet federation President Qasim Zia.

“We have had a detailed discussion with him on his future with Pakistan hockey and future plans,” Bajwa said.

Sources said that Lissek, one of the most sought after coaches in world hockey, had no issues with the financial arrangements with the PHF except for some apprehensions about the security situation in Pakistan.

Lissek was recently attached with the Australian team that won the World Cup, as consultant.

Bajwa, however, claimed that the PHF was also talking to two other foreign coaches, one from Australia and one from the Netherlands.

“Lissek is our first choice but we have other options as well and these two will also be coming down to Lahore this week to hold their meetings with us,” Bajwa said.

The entire Pakistan team announced retirement after the World Cup but most of the players are presently appearing in the national hockey championship in Karachi as the PHF has refused to accept their retirements.

Pakistan’s next assignment is the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia next month in which India is one of the competing teams.