There are certain moments in history, which celebrate the emergence of a messiah. Take the case of Austrian George Kottan who was a virtual unknown before he took over as Bangladesh's football coach. But the 53-year-old overcame numerous obstacles before masterminding his apparent no-hopers to lay claim to the biggest prize in our part of the world the South Asian Federation Football (SAFF) Championship that was played in Dhaka in January. For eleven days Kottan changed the face of Bangladesh football by managing to instill self-belief in his inexperienced charges they could bedazzle their opponents. He won over the hearts of his players, those around him and a grateful nation. Circumstances beyond our understanding has seen Kottan living thousand of miles away when he should have been with the national booters planning their next big triumph. But he's never far from our minds. So when The Daily Star Sport unanimously decided to jointly award Kottan and his SAFF heroes with the Achievers of the Year title, we thought it can never be complete without a few words from the man who made it all happen.

Kottan, who is now in Germany working for a FIFA project was his usual warm self when approached for an exclusive interview via email recently. Following are its excerpts:

Daily Star Sport (DSS): Congratulations Mr. Kottan we have selected you and your SAFF Championship-winning team as the achievers of the year 2003. How do you feel about it?

George Kottan (GK): Thank you for the congratulations of The Daily Star Sport. Your selection is a big honour for me and for my team. I was very proud of the SAFF victory then and after 11 months I am proud again because you remember me.

DSS: It has been eleven months since you bid an emotional farewell to Bangladesh. Are you missing Bangladesh?

GK: Yes, I do miss Bangladesh, especially all my players and my friends.

DSS: What are you doing now?

GK: I'm working now in Germany for a FIFA Mobile Goal project. It is a very useful and interesting exercise. It would be very useful for Bangladesh, too.

DSS: In the meantime did you follow Bangladesh football during this period?

GK: Yes. I did because I was in touch with a few Bangladeshi journalists.

DSS: Bangladesh has only played in the 2004 World Cup prequalifying matches against Tajikistan after your departure. The result was a 2-0 defeat both at home and away. Do you think this result was expected?

GK: If the national team had played like they did during the SAFF Championship then these bad results against Tajikistan would not have taken place.

DSS: Had you been with the Bangladesh where would have our football stood by the end of the year?

GK: My team and I were on good terms with each other. I'm sure that this nice relation induced continuation of the hard work.

DSS: How did you enjoy your stay in Bangladesh for two years as the national coach?

GK: The two-and-a-half years were a nice time for me. It was a

great challenge to discover your country and your talents. I appreciated especially the preparation period for the SAFF meet when I could finally get the understanding of the football officials in interest of the national team.

DSS: Do you think the support you got from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in terms of facilities and planning was enough to build a good national team?

GK: A short time before and during the SAFF the support from BFF was not bad. I wouldn't say it was professional, but everyone has tried to do the best, like in a big, diligent family.

DSS: Is money the biggest problem for the advancement of our football? Or is it something else?

GK: Money is very important. Organization could be important, too. It is not the question of money but how to organise national championship matches, e.g. matches mustn't take place during the rainy season! It is not the question of big money to build useful football grounds and keep them in good repair. It is very easy: think with head of the football players, too. Give more opportunity for the ex-national football players to work. They have the real football feeling and knowledge. E.g. where is Mr Badal? Talent and mentality of him aren't necessary?

DSS: Tell us about the SAFF Championship success story that you kept inside yourself until now.

GK: I find the success story wonderful. Importance of the SAFF was great for Bangladesh people. Fans made such a creepy fantastic atmosphere like a little World Cup. Celebration of our victory was fascinating. I'm grateful to them for learning their huge feeling. And I'm proud that we could give them such a great joy. The top surprise for me: Some Bangladeshi people who are living in Austria congratulated me on my arrival at Vienna Airport.

DSS: If you ever get an invitation to come again will you accept that?

GK: Certainly I would, but a few things should change.

DSS: What is your advice to the boys who are desperately missing you?

GK: I also miss everyone who was assisting in my work and I thank all of them with love. It was one of the most important performances in World Football Life of the year 2003 that Bangladesh won the SAFF Championship as I have just seen the year-end summarizing of 'Eurosport' TV channel.

Let me allow to wish hereby all the best to my Bangladeshi friends: the former and present BFF officials, the president and members of Sonali Ottit Club, especially Badal and Bablu Bhai, my former national team coaching staff with Noman Bhai, Kannon Bhai, Atiq

Bhai and the team doctors, all the sports journalists, because they understood from the beginning what I wanted. To the sport school (BKSP), because I could help a lot on youth football development of Bangla-desh with pleasure.

To Mr. Kiddel, the director of International School Dhaka, who has done a lot for our team's preparation for the SAFF Championship, Mrs Fiona and the teachers. And last but not least I will send my warmest greetings to everyone in the team including Mohsin.

I would like to remind all the boys: only hard and regular practice results in success! I wish the best to the Bangladeshi people! Happy New Year, God bless you!