Osaka: Colin Bell, the English coach of Myanmar's women's football team, faced a unique challenge as he went up against his former team, South Korea, in the Asian Games held at Nagai Stadium, Osaka. Despite the strong connection he still holds with South Korea, Bell's new team faced a crushing defeat with a 5-0 scoreline.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Bell's tenure with the South Korean national team spanned from 2019 to 2024. He took over the reigns of the Myanmar team just last month. Facing his former team brought a mix of emotions for Bell as he navigated the match against players he once coached. "It was basically my team on one side in red and my new team in white," Bell remarked, acknowledging the strength and quality of South Korea.
Bell expressed his continued affection for the South Korean players, with whom he maintains regular contact. "They know that I have a lot of affection for them for the rest of my life," he shared. Despite the loss, Bell remains optimistic about the future of Myanmar's team, focusing on their growth and potential.
Looking ahead, Bell has set a modest goal for Myanmar at the Asian Games, aiming for at least one victory in upcoming matches against North Korea and Bangladesh. North Korea's recent 10-0 win over Bangladesh highlights the challenging road ahead for Myanmar. Bell remains committed to the development of his team, expressing confidence in their progress over the next six to 12 months and the potential for future matches against South Korea.