Bayangol FC appoint Shadab Iftikhar as head coach

Bayangol FC appoint Shadab Iftikhar as head coach

Bayangol FC have announced the appointment of highly ­rated young British­-Pakistani coach Shadab Iftikhar for their first Mongolian Premier League season.

The club learned of its promotion to the top ­flight in Mongolia just 10 days before the season started on May 8, so 26­year­old Iftikhar faces a stern test keeping the underdogs

in the division.

After an extensive search for the right coach, Bayangol’s directors were blown away by Shadab’s CV, which includes time working with Roberto Martinez at both Everton and Wigan and a miraculous relegation escape with Hesketh Bank AFC.

“When we spoke to Shadab we were immediately impressed by his absolute commitment to the task at hand and his modest yet confident attitude. We were left in no doubt that he was the man for the job and are delighted we were able to agree terms,” Bayangol co- owner Paul Watson said.

“We feel that Shadab’s personality fits perfectly with our club’s identity and we can’t wait to welcome him to Ulan Bator.” Bayangol FC were formed in 2013 and are run by a small group of passionate football lovers from Mongolia, England and the USA.

The club is committed to the development of young homegrown talent and a moral ethos of respect, honesty and transparency.

Amongst Bayangol’s pre­-season signings was Sunday Olewale, a Nigerian player who was a victim of trafficking in Central Asia, and the club is currently assisting a group of players in Mongolia who have been left stranded by other clubs without a legal visa.

Iftikhar is widely believed to be one of Britain’s brightest up and coming coaching talents and his UEFA A License will make him the most qualified coach in all of Mongolia.

Bayangol FC’s season starts against Khoromkhon on May 8 but Iftikhar’s first game on the bench is likely to be against UB Mazaailund on May 14.