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Chima Okorie, 38, popularly called ‘Okerie’ by his fans, donned the colours of Mohammedan Sporting, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in a career spanning more than two decades.

His love and passion for the sport is so great that he has now taken up coaching. After a brief stint with Mumbai’s Bengal Mumbai Football Club (BMFC), he shifted base to Kolkata after receiving an offer from Mohun Bagan.

Okorie, who was in Goa with his team for their NFL match against Sporting Clube de Goa on Saturday, took time off to speak to Hindustan Times.

Excerpts:

How has the transition from a player to a coach been?

Exciting. Very exciting. It’s exactly what I wanted to do after my playing career. I enjoy coaching any team, whether it is a small club or an established one. Once I walk on to the field, it doesn’t matter whether it is BMFC or Mohun Bagan.

How is your relationship with the players?

Brotherly. I have a very friendly and cordial relationship with all the players. I don’t have to push them too hard, since they are all talented, with plenty of experience. I monitor their game to spot the weaknesses and then guide them to rectify their faults. The players are also welcome to discuss anything with me. Not only football.

Who was the best Indian coach you played under?

I held my coaches in high esteem. I rate Syed Nayeemuddin as the best Indian coach during my career.

How do you rate the current crop of Indian players?

They are definitely better now. There are some very talented players, but it all depends on how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) manage them. The sport is no more restricted to a few places like Kolkata, Goa, Kerala and Mumbai. There is also plenty of money in the game, now.

Do you see any changes in Indian football?

The future of Indian football is bright. The AIFF has to train more qualified coaches who can nurture youngsters. There is plenty of talent in the country, especially the villages. The AIFF has to scout for talent and start from the grassroot level.

Do you think Indian football is going in the right direction?

Yes, but only at the club level. At the national level, nothing is going in the right direction. The AIFF is only focussing on players they can see. That is very negative. Like I said before, the AIFF has to make a committed beginning at the grassroot level.

I was dazed to see so few spectators watching the NFL matches. When I used to play, some venues used to be full hours before the start.

gordon.dcosta@hindustantimes.com