Pakistan hockey elevates goalkeeping coach to head coach days before World Cup
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced the change just hours before the Pakistan squad left for the World Cup. Kruis, who had initially been appointed head coach, will instead work as an adviser to the federation, while Veldhof will take charge of the national team.
Pakistan's hockey federation has appointed goalkeeping coach Bob Johan Veldhof as the head coach of the national team just hours before the team departs for the FIH World Cup. This decision was made after Herman Kruis returned to the Netherlands to fulfill his existing obligations. Kruis had initially been appointed as head coach, but will now serve as an adviser to the federation while Veldhof takes charge of the team.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation had brought in the Dutch coaching trio of Kruis, Veldhof, and Christopher Bowen following their participation in the FIH Pro League in Europe. Kruis had expressed his inability to commit full-time to the Pakistan team after the World Cup, leading to Veldhof's appointment. Former Olympian Farhan Khan raised concerns about Veldhof's lack of experience in head coaching, but also acknowledged his value for the goalkeepers.
Pakistan, four-time world champions, will begin their tournament in Pool D along with India, England, and Wales, with their opening match against England scheduled for August 15 at the Wagener Stadion in Amstelveen.
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