Mohajerani moved as past glories honoured

AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, Legendary Iran coach Heshmat Mohajerani, the man who led Iran to the 1976 AFC Asian Cup title and qualification to the FIFA World Cup two years later, has admitted his surprise and delight that the AFC is honouring coaches for their past glories.

The 71-year-old was at the helm of an Iranian national team that was the continental powerhouse of the late 70s but didn’t anticipate his achievements would be lauded some three decades later at the AFC Asian Coaches Night.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the man that led Iran to an unprecedented four consecutive Asian youth championships will be one of 38 coaches receiving the AFC Gold Service Award.

“Conducting such an event is a milestone and inviting the people who served Asian football in the past and appreciating what they have done is very pleasant indeed.

“Most of us were thinking that we have been forgotten but the AFC has surprised us all.

“I am feeling like I am the young Mohajerani today and I thank the AFC and the President (Mohamed) Bin Hammam.”