Fed Cup-winner Bencherifa touted as India coach

Kolkata: He has emerged as the front-runner for the post of India's national football coach but Karim Bencherifa, who led Salgaocar to the Fed Cup title on Thursday, is still undecided about the job.

The hugely-successful Moroccan, who had guided Mohun Bagan to the same title in 2008, now did it for the reigning I-League champions Salgaocar, who tasted the triumph after 14 years.

The success was a double achievement for Bencherifa, having won I-League and Federation Cup in the same calendar year. As a result, he has emerged as the most-likely candidate for the India coach's post, lying vacant due to Armando Colaco's refusal to accept the AIFF's one-year contract.

Asked whether this day with Salgaocar would become his last day if he takes up the India coaching job, Bencherifa said, "My fate is not in my hands."

"I am a professional coach, I will approach the entire thing professionally. Salgaocar, like Mohun Bagan and Churchill (Brothers), have given me a lot."

"So I don't want to be unfair to them. Again I don't want to be unfair with the AIFF. So let things happen. I will have to talk it out with the chairman (in Salgaocar) and the AIFF," Bencherifa, who still has a year left on his contract with the club, told reporters.

Meanwhile, the coach credited Salgaocar's success to their defenders and goalkeeper Karamjit Singh.

"The goalkeeper and defence of this team deserves 100 percent credit."

Bencherifa especially hailed defender Luciano Sabrosa, who played despite twisting ankle in the last game.

"Luciano had a big role. For the second game he played with a twisted ankle. Also the the team spirit was fantastic. We scored 11 goals and conceded one penalty. It's for everybody else to see."

Bencherifa also said it was flattering to hear his East Bengal counterpart Trevor James Morgan saying that they were outplayed by Salgaocar.

"I'm flattered about this comment. The game today is about counter-attack, we had a hard time especially on the end of the first half. But I am happy for the boys."

Bencherifa said East Bengal missed their midfielder Mehtab Hussain, who had to be replaced in the fifth minute after an injury.

"Mehtab is a great player. Mehtab could have made a better final. It's really unfortunate for him."

The secret for Salgoacar is that the team bond like a family, Bencherifa revealed.

"We have a purely professional relationship. We try to build a family. Respect is very important. I am very proud that we respond to each other very well. This relationship is very important."

Asked to compare this win against the one with Mohun Bagan against Dempo in 2008, Bencherifa jokingly said that Thursday's prize ceremony was better organised.

"Last time I remember we ran straight to the dressing room after the win. But this time we had some time to lift the trophy at the prize ceremony. It was better organised," he said.