Naushad Moosa is thankful to chief national coach Igor Stimac for his advice and guidance. The Indian Under-23 boys’ trip to Malaysia for a couple of preparatory matches will be the first national assignment for the former India international. 

The 52-year-old coach while speaking over the phone said, “It is a proud moment for me. I am thankful to AIFF and the chief national coach Igor Stimac for his advice and guidance as these Under-23 boys will be the future of the senior national team.” 

He addeed, "I have observed Stimac’s approach toward the game. He wants footballers to hold on to the ball and be aggressive in counterattacks and also offer pressing football. I am also of the same mentality. So his advice will help me.”

Moosa also feels it would not be difficult for him to guide the under-23 boys. 

He added, “I have worked with the youth and the senior teams for seven long years. So I feel I will be able to guide them in a proper way.” 

The former East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting defender explained, “You need to master the skill of motivating the boys along with the physical training. I have played under top Indian coaches and worked with top foreign coaches. Presently I am working with Pedro Benali at NorthEast United FC. I have followed Indian football minutely under top foreign coaches. Every coach has their style of training. But the skill of managing players to bring out the best from him on the pitch is almost the same in everybody's coaching style.”

He added, “NorthEast United FC does not have 'so-called' star footballers. Still, if you follow our game you will find the footballers do not give up. Benali deserves the credit for motivating the footballers perfectly." 

Moosa revealed that the Malaysian Under-23 team is strong enough and the matches will not be easy for Indian youth. The team will fly to Kuala Lumpur on 20th March to participate in their first match on 22nd March with only four days’ training. 

When asked about three non-ISL footballers’ inclusion in the team, Moosa praised former Air India coach Bimal Ghosh stating, “He went to Arunachal Pradesh as a spotter in the recently-concluded Santosh Trophy. He spotted the three footballers from Santosh Trophy and the ongoing I-League (Sandip Mandi from Inter Kashi). So, they must have performed, otherwise Ghosh would not have selected them.” 

Former India international Noel Wilson will assist Moosa in the tour while Dipankar Chaowdhury has been chosen goalkeeping coach for the trip.