After ending Three Star´s eight-year-long title drought, little-known coach Pradip Humagain revealed that friendly relations with players was the key to the team´s success in the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League being held in Kathmandu. [break]
Humagain, who became known in the domestic football fraternity following his appointment as the head coach of Three Star in September 2012, said, "I have always been on friendly terms with players. That has been a key to the team´s success," said Humagain, who only had the experience of coaching the girls´ football team of KU High School before taking charge of Three Star. Humagain had joined Three Star as an assistant coach in August 2012, when Megharaj KC was the head coach of the club.
Three Star players celebrate after winning league. (Photo: Bikash Karki)
Three Star, which played a goalless draw with NMB Bank Machhindra Club in the day´s late kick-off, would have required a win to be crowned champion on Wednesday had MMC, the only other challenger for the title, defeated Police. With equal one match to spare, Three Star has 43 points and MMC 38 points.
As the league champion Three Star will receive Rs 7.5 million and has also secured berth for the qualifying rounds of AFC President´s Cup, which will feature the league champions of second-tier nations of Asia as classified by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The league title was equally special for Three Star skipper Santosh Sahukhala. "I feel very proud that we have been crowned champions. The club trusted me and made me the captain," said the striker of the national team who joined Three Star from MMC during the beginning of the season. "Now I don´t have any wish to leave the club. I want to end my playing career at Three Star."
Three Stars supporters. (Photo: Bikash Karki)
Humagain, 33, became the youngest coach to win the league title. Humagain not only enjoyed league glory but also helped Three Star win the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup and the Udayapur Gold Cup during his seven months in the club.
Humagain also credited the achievement to his education, attitude and dedication. "I have not taken rest for a single day after the league started. My education and attitudes toward the players have also been vital to the success," said Humagain, who has done his Masters in Physical Education, Sociology and Health Education.
En route to the league title, Three Star won 13 matches, lost four and played draws in four matches. Three Star was studded with eight members of the current national squad and five foreign players.
Three Star could not make a bright start in the league going down 2-1 to lowly Saraswati Club but it improved gradually after fielding foreign players. "The presence of foreign players brought a big change in the team," said Humagain, adding that his side also benefited from the poor results of opponent teams.
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