Final decision on Kurtz soon

German coach Oliver Kurtz was scheduled to arrive here last night and meet an interview board as he bids to take charge of the national hockey team ahead of Bangladesh's engagement in the AHF Cup, scheduled to begin on Nov 19 in Hong Kong.

Kurtz had worked with Bangladesh as the deputy of Peter Gerhard Rach during the 2010 South Asian Games. He had also been with Oman for a long time before the Oman hockey association parted ways with him in December last year following the failure of the Oman U-18 team.

“Kurtz is supposed to present his plans for the national team in an interview. We will take the final decision about his appointment if we are convinced. However, he may be given a short period of time,” said Bangladesh Hockey Federation vice-president Khaza Rahmatullah.

However, there is a strong opinion in the hockey fraternity that local coaches like Mahbub Harun, Mamunur Rashid and Kawar Ali are better options than Kurtz, who was once banned for taking banned substance during his playing career.