In the Coach’s Corner: Perspectives from Head Coach Pema As the newly appointed head coach of Transport United FC, what were your initial impressions upon joining this esteemed club, and what drew you to this role? Joining a prestigious club like Transport United FC presents an exciting opportunity to immerse myself in a new community and environment. I was particularly attracted to this role because it resonates with my personal aspirations for growth and my desire to make a positive impact within the footballing realm. Could you outline your fundamental coaching philosophy and detail how you plan to implement it within Transport United FC to propel the team forward? My coaching philosophy revolves around cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, centered on setting goals, providing feedback, and offering support to both individuals and the team as a whole. I intend to implement this philosophy by fostering regular communication with team members, identifying and maximizing strengths, addressing areas for growth, and emphasizing the collective effort required to overcome challenges and achieve success. Reflecting on your extensive experience in football coaching, could you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your approach as a coach? Certainly, a pivotal moment in my coaching journey occurred when I had to rebuild a struggling team following a significant defeat. This experience underscored the importance of resilience, effective communication, and teamwork in overcoming adversity. It deeply informed my coaching philosophy, reinforcing the need for continuous improvement and the ability to glean valuable lessons from setbacks. Leadership plays a pivotal role in football coaching. How would you describe your leadership style and approach to managing and motivating your players? As a coach, my leadership style combines elements of mentorship, empowerment, and collaboration. I prioritize open communication, actively listening to players, and fostering a positive team culture grounded in trust and respect. Setting clear goals and expectations, I strive to facilitate each player’s journey toward realizing their full potential. Overall, my approach emphasizes building strong relationships, fostering personal growth, and ultimately achieving success as a collective unit. Transitioning to a new club presents its own set of challenges. How are you adapting to your role at Transport United FC, and what measures are you taking to integrate with the team and the club’s culture? Transitioning to Transport United FC has been both challenging and invigorating. To adapt to my new environment, I am actively engaging with the club’s culture, getting to know the players, and establishing rapport with club officials. By immersing myself fully in the ethos of the club, I aim to seamlessly integrate with the team and contribute positively to its collective goals. As you assume leadership at Transport United FC, what are your expectations for the team this season, and what objectives have you set for both yourself and the team? As I assume the helm at Transport United FC, my expectations for the team are ambitious yet attainable. I aim to instill a winning mentality and foster continuous improvement throughout the season. Our primary goal is to compete at the highest level, striving for a top-three position in the league or achieving success in various competitions. On a personal level, I am committed to refining my coaching methods, navigating challenges with integrity, and leaving a lasting, positive impact on the club’s trajectory. While maintaining strategic confidentiality, could you share insights into your preferred tactical approach and your readiness to adapt based on performance and opposition? My tactical approach is characterized by flexibility and adaptability, grounded in a preferred style of play that prioritizes possession, quick transitions, and high pressing. However, I recognize the importance of tailoring tactics to suit the strengths and weaknesses of both my team and our opponents. Depending on the circumstances, I am prepared to adjust formations, playing styles, and individual roles to optimize our performance and secure favorable outcomes. Coaching at the highest level inevitably entails overcoming obstacles. Could you elaborate on your approach to challenges and setbacks, perhaps offering an example of how you’ve navigated such situations in the past? Addressing challenges and setbacks requires a combination of resilience, problem-solving, and a positive mindset. When confronted with obstacles, I conduct a thorough assessment of the situation, identifying the root cause and collaborating with coaching staff and players to devise effective solutions aligned with our overarching objectives. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of maintaining optimism and mutual support, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and development when approached with the right attitude and determination. Finally, what message would you like to convey to the passionate fans of Transport United FC as you embark on this journey with them? I am immensely honored and thrilled to embark on this journey alongside the passionate fans of Transport United FC. Together, we have the opportunity to create something truly special and achieve success both on and off the pitch. Your unwavering support and fervent enthusiasm are the lifeblood of this club, and I pledge to work tirelessly to make you proud. As we navigate the highs and lows of the season, I urge you to maintain faith in our team and remain steadfast in your belief that together, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way.
Behind the Whistle: Insights from Mr. Dorji Khandu, Technical Director and Women’s Team Coach
Behind the Whistle: Insights from Mr. Dorji Khandu, Technical Director and Women’s Team Coach Can you detail your journey in football, from your earliest involvement to becoming the Technical Director of Transport United FC? What were the pivotal moments? Response: My journey in football began at a young age, where I started playing in the national squad for both the youth U-19 and senior teams from 2000 onwards. Spending seven years representing my country, I transitioned into coaching after my playing career. In 2007, I joined the Thimphu district coaching team and later assumed roles such as head coach for the U-19 boys. Eventually, I served as the Assistant National Coach alongside foreign coaches. In 2015, I was appointed as the head coach for the senior women’s national team and also headed the women’s academy in Gelephu. Progressing through various roles, I became the Officiating Technical Director in BFF in 2018 and fully managed the Elite Youth program from 2019 to 2020. Following this, I served as the Technical Director in BFF until the end of 2022 when I joined Druk Lhayul FC. After a year there, I moved to Transport FC as Technical Director. Every technical director has a philosophy that guides their decisions and strategies. Could you share yours and how it influences the development programs at Transport United FC? Response: In football, having a philosophy is crucial as it sets the right track for team development and youth progression. Drawing from diverse training and learning experiences, I’ve crafted programs tailored to youth and grassroots development. This philosophy guides our approach at Transport United FC. How have you seen football change over the years, and what adaptations have you made in your approach to keep up with these evolutions? Response: Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like Mr. Jigme N Norbu, Mr. Vincent Subramaniam, and Mr. Ugyen Wangchhuk, whose guidance has been invaluable. Their insights have helped me integrate new strategies and adapt to the evolving landscape of football. Throughout your extensive career, who have been your mentors, and what are the most valuable lessons they’ve imparted that you carry into your current role? Response: Achievements such as receiving recognition from AFC in 2019 have been pivotal moments in my career. These successes highlight the importance of commitment, teamwork, and the systematic approach to training. What do you consider the most significant challenge facing youth football development today, and how is Transport United FC addressing it? Response: The need for robust grassroots programs and creative, knowledgeable youth coaches is crucial for youth football development. At Transport United FC, we aim to address this challenge by developing our unique training curriculum tailored to the needs of our youth players. Looking back at your career, can you share a moment or achievement that stands out as particularly rewarding or transformative? Response: The commitment and support from everyone involved in my journey have been incredibly rewarding. Establishing systematic training methods has been transformative, ensuring continuous improvement in performance. With your wealth of experience, where do you see the potential for growth in Bhutanese football, and how is Transport United FC positioning itself to be at the forefront of this progress? Response: There’s immense potential for growth in Bhutanese football, and Transport United FC aims to be a championship team during my tenure. We’re positioning ourselves to lead the way in driving this progress. What key attributes do you look for in young players, and how does the academy nurture these talents to prepare them for professional football? Response: Attributes such as dedication, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset are crucial in young players. Our academy focuses on instilling these qualities and providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Besides serving as the Technical Director, you also coach the women’s club team. What advice do you have for aspiring female players? Response: I advise aspiring female players to work hard and seize opportunities. Gender equality is essential, and at Transport United FC, we ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all players.
