Phoenix coach gets Fifa appointment

Ricki Herbert reached the top of the coaching ladder yesterday after a 20-year climb when a letter from Fifa arrived telling him he had joined the elite of the world’s football coaches

The communication, from Fifa Technical Director Jean-Michel Benezet, informed the Wellington Phoenix coach he had been appointed to the Panel of Instructors and Lecturers for Fifa Courses.

The appointment, which took effect on January 1 this year, means Herbert joins 29 other coaches from throughout the footballing world on the panel.

Herbert said he was surprised, and delighted, to be put into such a category.

“Very few people in the world get an appointment like this, and I believe it is recognition for what New Zealand achieved at the World Cup finals last year,” Herbert said.

“We must have been doing something right for this [appointment] to happen.”

While Herbert is undoubtedly correct in saying it is recognition for the All Whites’ performances in South Africa, it could not have happened had he not worked his way through the coaching system over a long period.

Herbert thought he had reached the coaching pinnacle on being awarded the coveted UEFA Professional Licence in June 2008 and didn’t anticipate this latest appointment.

“I suppose it is also a reward for the work I have put in over the last 20 years or so.” he said.

“It has been a long, tough battle but one I have thoroughly enjoyed.

“I have been privileged to be involved in football for so long. For many people their involvement ends when their playing career comes to a halt, but it was always my ambition to stay in the game.

“I have to thank New Zealand Football and Terry Serepisos for giving me the opportunity to do that.”