Hiring & honing local talent is my mantra: JFC coach Khalid

Jamshedpur: More boys from Jharkhand should be enrolled in the Jamshedpur Football Club team, said head coach Khalid Jamil, who was appointed in the mid-season last year.
“My contract with the club as head coach has been renewed for the next two seasons. As a coach, I would like to give opportunity to more grassroots talent from the state. The tribal boys here have a lot of stamina and strength.If they are channelised in the right direction, they will become international stars,” Khalid said.
“Last season, Jamshedpur FC finished 10th in ISL. Though I joined the team for the last 10 matches, I accept all the responsibility for the team's poor performance. This time there will be a lot of changes in the team, and it will be strictly performance-oriented, playing a more attacking game."
He said, “Players who have the hunger to win will be selected. Big names do not always get big wins. So, players who will play for the club will get a chance.”
“The doors of JFC are open to local talent. I will try to give all the local boys a chance to play for the club. Anyone in the state who knows any local football talent can approach me with the name and details," Khalid further said.
He added, “I am in touch with the local coaches of the local teams who play league matches here. There is a lot of football activity going on in tribal areas throughout the year, which needs to be utilised for hunting talent.”
Khalid said, “In the coming season, another focus will be on winning all the matches in the home ground in Jamshedpur. It is very essential to have a house full of spectators. Last year, our performance at home was very bad, which resulted in a thin crowd at the JRD stadium. All efforts will be made to ensure old mistakes are not repeated.”