Iran Ready to Retain AFC Women’s Futsal Championship Title: Coach
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran head coach Shahrzad Mozafar believes her side is ready to retain its AFC Women’s Futsal Championship title but it brings responsibility for them.
Iran claimed the first AFC women’s futsal title in Malaysia three years ago, and Mozafar believes that achievement, coupled with the nation’s passion for the five-a-side game, means her team has a duty to excel in Thailand.
“Achieving the title of champions in the first edition also brings a lot of expectation inside Iran and from the others outside, so this brings a big responsibility for us as coaching staff and also for the players,” she told the-AFC.
“As you know, Iranians really love futsal, so we have a very big responsibility to satisfy the people by repeating the title.
“Once you achieve something for the first time, it becomes harder to repeat that achievement, but we are ready for that.”
With Iran’s sights set firmly on retaining its crown, the first obstacle comes in the shape of an unheralded Turkmenistan side who is competing in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship for the first time.
Iran will face Turkmenistan in Group D on Thursday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok, Thailand.
While the title holder is widely expected to win its opening match, Mozafar insists nothing will be taken for granted.
“I have seen Turkmenistan play in the Asian Indoor Games. I think they are developing, but we respect every team and we never underestimate any opponent,” she declared.