Former Rep. Carlos Cojuangco, president of the Negros Occidental Football Association, has met the appointment of Norman Fegidero Jr. with a degree of caution and wants the Philippine Football Federation to deal with the new national coach in the most proper way.

Cojuangco said he supports the selection of Fegidero Jr. as coach of the national team that will see action in the Asian Challenge Cup in Bacolod from May 11-18.

But Cojuangco stressed that Fegidero should be given a free hand in making decisions related to the squad, especially in the composition of players for the national team, and should be “protected” during his tenure.

“It is for this very reason why Fegidero accepted the job,” the NOFA head said, adding that the PFF should put it in writing that it will not be meddling in Fegidero's decisions.

He said that Fegidero should also be given a written assurance that he will be handling the national team until he steps down after the tournament.

“Coach Norman is one of the best coaches from our association and we want to protect his professional integrity. What he does with the national team will reflect the state of football in our association as well,” Cojuangco said.

“It has happened before, coaches left out and officials interfering just before tournaments,” he added.

Cojuangco also criticized the PFF for its failure to properly coordinate with the NOFA regarding its move to make Fegidero the replacement for coach Aris Caslib.

Sources said Caslib had been assigned to coach the Challenge Cup squad but was sacked by the PFF even without a written notice.

PFF technical director Juan Cutillas, in a telephone interview Tuesday night, said he has assured Fegidero that he will have the final-say in team-related decisions.*CPT

back to top

Solon okay with any of 2 Cuban coaches
NOFA president wants ‘protection' for Fegidero
Denied thrice as a player, Boyet hopes to win title as SLR coach
Class '68 remains in the lead
Extreme sports event to make debu