November 12, 2007	Monday	Ziqa’ad 01, 1428

KARACHI, Nov 11: Former captain and chief selector Khawaja Zakauddin has replaced the injured Islahuddin Siddiqui as the manager-cum-chief coach of Pakistan hockey team for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur.

“Zakauddin will be the chief coach of the team in the Champions Trophy because of foot finger fracture to Islah,” PHF chief Mir Zafarullah Jamali told reporters at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Sunday.

Zakauddin is returning as the chief coach after almost a decade, having trained the team for Azlan Shah Cup in 1997.

“I was bit surprised at first with my appointment. But now I am looking forward to the challenge to bring out the best from this team in Malaysia,” the 70-year-old said.

“At first I thought it was a joke. But later realised the situation and decided to accept the challenge after the injury to Islah,” he said.

“I think Islah was doing a good job but in his absence I will do my best to revive the game and bring best possible position in Champions Trophy,” he remarked.

Former Olympian Manzoorul Hasan will be the coach of the team while Nadeem Khan Lodhi (video), Faiz-ur-Rehman (physiotherapist) Rauf (goalkeeping coach) will be the officials of team.

PHF Secretary Khalid Mahmood confirmed that Zakauddin will be chief coach for the Champions Trophy and Islahuddin will take charge of the team for the next assignment.

The national squad will continue to train at the HCP until its departure for Kuala Lumpur.

—APP