Former international footballer Syed Sabir Pasha is on a mission. The present Tamil Nadu coach’s task is to win a maiden Santosh Trophy for the state — something which he couldn’t achieve in his playing career.

The start has been promising at the ongoing 66th national tournament being held across Odisha. After winning two out of two games in the quarterfinal league stage, Tamil Nadu are well set in their group.

In a casual chat with Deccan Chronicle, the Indian Bank manager spoke about his ambition, his best qualities and his hobbies among a variety of questions.

EXCERPTS:

Your earliest sporting memory: Playing for Madras Union Club as a fifteen year-old.

Sports played as a youngster: Actually, I played more cricket than football during those days. I have played in the U-19 state cricket tournaments for schools. In fact, I have played alongside former TN batsman S. Sharath in the U-15 state-level.

Where you a good student at school: No, I was average.

First experience of kicking a ball: I have vague memories of my dad taking me to the ICF ground where I used to kick the ball around.

What would you have done without football: I can’t imagine myself doing anything else other than playing sports. I would have definitely done something related to the sports field.

Most memorable sporting moment: Scoring the goal winner against Bangladesh in the SAF Games final at the Nehru Stadium in 1995.

Forgettable moment: Not winning the Santosh Trophy for Tamil Nadu.

Sporting heroes: Maradona and Sachin Tendulkar.

Favourite venue: The Nehru Stadium (Chennai).

What is the question most asked by the public: While I am coaching at the national camp, they ask why India is ranked so low in world rating? And back home in Chennai, they always ask when will TN win the Santosh Trophy?

Sporting motto: As a coach now, my motto is: ‘Achievement counts but bringing developments through teaching is more important.’

Favourite actor: Amitabh Bachchan.

Favourite actress: Sri Devi.

Funniest fan letter you have received: I used to get letters from a particular fan asking how could you miss the target from that position or this. He seemed to know more football than me.

Where do you see yourself in five years: Only Allah knows what’s in store for me. But I would want to continue learning and gather more knowledge on football.

Who would you like to invite for dinner and why: Sachin Tendulkar. It would give a great inspiration to my kids. Sporting achievements aside, we can learn so much from Tendulkar as a person.

Pet name: Pash or Sab.

Best sporting match you ever saw: India versus Cameron playing the International Gold Cup at the Nehru Stadium (Chennai) in 1993.

Though, I was a substitute I loved watching that game. IM Vijayan scored a beautiful goal that brought the crowd on its feet.

The person you learned the most from: My father Syed Siddique Pasha.

Other hobbies in life: I spend quality time playing indoor-cricket, chess or carrom board with my sons.

One piece of advice to youngsters: Don’t set short-term goals. Always carry big ambitions. They shouldn’t be happy with limited success but try and reach maximum ranks.
Your biggest extravaganza till date: My home.

You don’t leave home without: Janimaaz (Rug used while performing prayers) and Taqiyah (rounded prayer cap).

The craziest joke you have ever heard: Baichung Bhutia is always full of beans. Every time we meet, he jokes: ‘Sabir, your wife wears a burqa, so be careful or you might end up pulling some other woman’s hand who is under the veil.’

Your best quality: I don’t take anything for granted.

And your worst: Sometimes I become very possessive and want things to be done in a perfect manner. I need to give some space at times.

Any habit that you would want to get rid of: Mixing football with my personal life. If my team has lost a match, I unnecessarily take that frustration out on my family (read wife).

Worst nightmare: Losing the game in my dream just before the actual match day.