‘I take nothing for granted’

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Former national footballer Syed Sabir Pasha is a man on a mission. The current Tamil Nadu coach seeks to build a determined team that can challenge the best in the country. While their beginning has been full of promise as one witnessed in the 66th national tournament for the Santosh Trophy held across Orissa, the coach understands there is a long way to go.
In an informal chat with this newspaper, the Indian Bank manager speaks about his ambition, challenges and the way ahead.
Earliest sporting memory: Playing for Madras Union Club as a 15-year-old.
Which sport did you play as a youngster? Actually, I played more cricket than football during those days. I have played in the Under-19 state cricket tournaments for school. In fact, I have played alongside former TN batsman S. Sharath in the Under-15 state-level.
First experience of kicking a football: I have vague memories of my dad taking me to the ICF ground, where I used to kick the ball around.
What would you be if you were not a footballer? I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than playing sport. I would have definitely done something related to the sports field.
Most memorable sporting moment: Scoring the winning goal against Bangladesh in the SAF Games final at the Nehru Stadium in 1995.
Worst sporting memory: Not winning the Santosh Trophy for Tamil Nadu.
Sporting heroes: Diego Maradona and Sachin Tendulkar.
Favourite venue: The Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
What is the question most asked by the public? When I was coaching at the national camp, they ask why India were ranked so low in world rating?
Sporting motto: As a coach, my motto is that 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 I could miss the target from different position. He seemed to know more football than me.
Where do you see yourself in five years from now? Only Allah knows what’s in store for me. But I would want to continue learning and gather more knowledge on football.
Given a chance, who would you like to invite for dinner and why? Sachin Tendulkar. It would be a great inspiration for my kids. Sporting achievements aside, we can learn so much from Tendulkar as a person too.
Pet’s name? Pash or Sab.
Best match you ever saw: India versus Cameron in the International Gold Cup at the Nehru Stadium (Chennai) in 1993. Though I was a substitute, I loved watching that game. I.M. Vijayan scored a beautiful goal that brought the crowd to its feet.
The person you learned the most from: My father, Syed Siddique Pasha.
Hobbies other than football: I spend quality time playing indoor cricket, chess or carrom.
A piece of advice for 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.
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.