ISLAMABAD: Pakistan volleyball team is going to lose the services of high-profile Brazilian Coach Issanaye Ramires Ferraz, who has helped the Greenshirts become one of the best Asian sides in less than a year time.
Ever since Pakistan defeated powerful Korean side in straight games (sets) at the Asian Games and romped over India with utmost ease in the high-profile event, some leading Asian countries are trying to lure Issanaye in a quest to hire him for their national outfits. Korea was not far behind in hiring his services due to the hammering they faced against Pakistan at the Asian event.
‘The News’ has learnt that Korea has offered Issanaye one of the most lucrative packages which was difficult to turn down. The Brazilian coach, who has trained Pakistan team for almost a year now, has finally decided to part ways, grabbing the offer with both hands.
Pakistan is currently paying him around $4,000 per month. Korea not only promised to double the monthly amount, but it also offered him a full package that included boarding and lodging for his entire family and education for children in the best available institutions. One of the world’s best volleyball teams Korea was stunned, the way Pakistan treated their national outfit at the Asian Games.
Though the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) made its best efforts to convince Issanaye to continue, Korea’s Youth Ministry’s offer was too attractive to be turned down. Ch Mohammad Yaqoob, Chairman of the PBF, was upset at losing the services of such a brilliant coach who helped Pakistan reach as high as No 5 in Asia in less than a year.
“No doubt the Brazilian coach is one of the best around and he has proved that by helping Pakistan beat some of the best outfits in Asia. Who could have imagined that we could go on to beat volleyball powerhouse Korea at the Asian Games. We defeated them fair and square and also accounted for India in straight games. Whenever we played India in the past, the match usually ended in a five-setter. For the first time, we defeated India in a straight one-sided set on such a big stage.
Pakistan’s volleyball has improved at a rapid pace within a year. Issanaye’s association for another couple of years could have managed a podium position for the country in Asia. I am really upset at the prospect of missing his services but we have limited resources and as such cannot offer him the package that Korea has doled out for him. I tried to convince him to stay on but possibly the offer is too attractive to turn down,” Ch Yaqoob said.
Pakistan have heavy international commitments ahead which was the reason PVF chairman wanted Issanaye to stay. “His departure has left us in a tough corner. April will be his last month of training and coaching with the Pakistan team probables. We are now working on different options and are in the process of looking for the best replacement.”
