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Thomas Dennerby will take charge as pro tem coach of the Indian women's football team with immediate effect. This will be his second stint with an Indian national football team. He has previously coached the U-17 women’s World Cup squad.
Thomas Dennerby has had considerable success in his over 30-year stint coaching several national teams. The UEFA pro diploma holder guided Sweden’s women’s team to a third-place finish at the 2011 FIFA World Cup as well as a quarterfinal showing at the 2012 London Olympics.
The 62-year-old Swede also served as head coach of the Nigerian women’s national team and led the team to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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He helped the Nigerian team win the AWCON Award in 2018 and was named the 2018 'Coach of the Year' in Nigeria.
This arrangement is, however, a temporary one. Dennerby will move to take charge of the national squad for the 2022 U-17 World Cup -- to be held in India -- once the AFC Asian Cup ends in February 2022. Till then, the U-17 girls will train under the watchful eyes of assistant coach Alex Ambrose, who will be working in close coordination with Dennerby.
Thomas Dennerby has prior experience with the Indian women's football team
Thomas Dennerby said it is an honor to take over as the coach of the Indian senior women’s team. In a statement issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), he said:
“I am grateful to the All India Football Federation for finding me suitable for the job. It’s an honor to be taking over as the head coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National team. I have been in India and am aware of the huge potential. It is a big challenge to get the girls ready for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Life is all about challenges, and I relish it.”
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AIFF general secretary Kushal Das believes the senior women’s team will benefit immensely from Thomas Dennerby’s experience. He said:
“With his vast experience, Thomas will bring in immense value addition to the women’s team. He is acquainted with India and we look forward together for him to improve our team technically, and competitively.”
The AIFF, in consultation with Thomas Dennerby and relevant stakeholders, has also laid down a composite calendar for the development of women’s football.
The targets include a number of international exposure tours leading up to the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off on January 20. This tournament is also being held in India.
In addition, there are plans to host an international tournament for women in the country soon. However, this will depend on the COVID-19 situation in India and as well as consent from the national government.
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