Kozhikode (Kerala): Gokulam Kerala has extended the contract with their coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese for one more year, the club said on Saturday.
The deal comes after the hugely successful I-League season of the Malabarians, in which the club was crowned champions.
The contract extension means that the Italian coach will be in charge of the club’s AFC Cup campaign and also leading the Malabarian’s pursuit to defend the I-League title upcoming season.
“I am so excited to be part of the Gokulam family again. We have already set our targets for the next season. We need to repeat our I-League title win and also concentrate on AFC Cup. I am so happy that I can continue my project at Gokulam next year also,” Vincenzo said.
Annese coach joined the Malabarians after successful stints in a slew of countries, including Malaysia, Belize, Ghana, and Palestine. During his first campaign with the Malabarians, he implemented a distinctive attacking style of football that eventually helped the club to win the championship.
Of the 15 matches played, he won nine matches and drew two matches. Altogether the team scored 31 goals – the best in the league. He also imparted a never-say-die attitude in players and the team was known for its comeback victories.
The club became the first-ever club from Kerala to win the I-League title and also the first club from the state to qualify for the AFC Cup.
“We are glad to extend our head coach’s contract. The club has full confidence that he would be able to continue the winning streak in Asia also. We wish him the best for the next season,” said Gokulam Gopalan, the chairman of Gokulam Kerala FC.
