McMahon Keen To Hold Coaching Clinics In Brunei
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei under-16 footballers might get a chance to meet and learn from a former Liverpool star, Steve McMahon, who is now one of the pundits for ESPN's Football Focus and the new Commercial Director of Profitable Group.

Speaking at the Brunei office of Profitable Group in the Rizqun International Hotel, McMahon said: "I would like to educate and coach some of the youngsters as well as their parents, in a few sessions as part of a programme under the Profitable Group."

Joining the group since three weeks ago, he said: "With the success of the business, we are looking for better things and the most important thing is to give back to the community and the people here who are so friendly and polite and with a huge fan base of Manchester United and Liverpool."

"I think it's a fantastic opportunity and I will try to do this as much as I can and hopefully start in Brunei Darussalam, and also places where Profitable Group have offices in."

Citing the coaching clinic might be a regular session, he said: "I will come over and set up a football or coaching session on a regular basis. Maybe once or twice a month to coach the youth or coaches."

He revealed that there might also be special appearances of guest stars on ESPN like Bruce Grobbelaar, Jason McAteer, Ian Rush and others to Brunei as well as other locations under Profitable Groups, for a few hours of the clinic.

The ESPN's football pundit also disclosed that there is a possibility of English teams playing exhibition matches in Brunei in the future and the project is still in an embryo stage under Profitable Group.

"We would like to work with the government hand-in-hand, to provide assistance for youngsters to learn and improve. It's for the benefit of the local footballers."

Touching on the clinic, he said: "It will be a couple of hours, including talks on nutrition, fitness level and not only playing football; it's about education and discipline."

"Imagine one of the local youngsters coming through and become a professional footballer in England. Just one gem that comes out of the coaching clinic or session, we can push his or them forward. We can go to Liverpool for a trial or Manchester United and I will arrange that."

"That will be a fantastic opportunity for the players, parents and Brunei Darussalam," McMahon added.

On the matter of physical differences between English and Asian players, he commented: "I don't really agree that Asian players are physically smaller. I was a slight frame and very weak when I started. My weakness was lack of strength, so I went on programme and weight courses to build up my body. If you work hard enough, you can build up your body."

McMahon also said Asian players can catch up with their European counterparts by getting better coaches. The talents are there but you need coaches to nurture the talents.

When asked whether he is interested in coaching a local team, he said: "I'm not here to take anybody's place or to look for a job as a coach. I just want to step back to enjoy. If I were to coach again it would be very stressful."-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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