Who is Head coach Bonfrere?

On August 1, 1996, the Atlanta Olympics soccer semi-final between Brazil and Nigeria was in action. Brazil, equipped with players such as Vivito and Alberto Carlos, was picked to be the top candidate for the championship. In the opening part of the game, Nigeria was trailing 1-3, which seemed to ensure victory for the Brazilians. But the “Super Eagles” of Africa and Nigeria turned the tide to clinch the come from behind victory, by the final score of 4-3.

Three days later, the finals between Nigeria and Argentina took place. Nigeria again was behind 1-2 to the team led by Crespo, but rallied to win 3-2 to capture the championship.

All of this masterpiece work was rendered by head coach Bonfrere. Head coach Bonfrere consolidated the liberal mindset and the obstinate African players and turned them into “overcoming dark warriors” who never gave in. World prominent Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Ekwueme, and Daniel Amokachi are students of Head coach Bonfrere who received direct and in-direct guidance from him to rise into global players.

Head coach Bonfrere, who established his name to the world in his first showdown as head coach for the Nigerian national team in 1990, brought sensation to various competitions while commanding Qatar and Nigeria as he prefers to take the 4-4-2 formation.

The KFA Technical Committee Vice-chairman Huh Jung-moo, who had an on-the-spot consultation with Head coach Bonfrere, commented, “He possessed a quiet attitude. Head coach Bonfrere has tasted the sweets and bitters of soccer life, so he seemed to possess the key for the Korean team which had come to a deadlock.”

Head coach Bonfrere also has a special bond with the Korean team dating back to when he visited Korea with the Nigerian national team in August 2000 to face the Korean Olympic team lead by Head coach Huh Jung-moo for two A-matches. The Korean team won both matches by the score of 5-1.

Sejong University Professor Lee Yong-soo, who was the chairman of the Technical Committee at the time, said, “We didn’t know the true colors of his soccer style but valued him after he led his team to championships as we put his name in the third position after Aime Jacquet and Gus Hiddink for the commanding spot of the Korean team.” Lee also added, “His various experiences in coaching in different cultures in Africa and the Middle East will help command the Korean team.”

Lee Hoi-taek, chairman of the Technical Committee, also commented, “I guess it’s too early to evaluate his philosophy in soccer but realizing that he overcame difficult environments, I have no doubt in his commanding skills, and he also possess charisma.”

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com