Afshin’s Notes

Football connected the world. As our world continues to be polarized by extreme views and beliefs, football can mend our deflated hearts and hope. The love of the game has broken many boundaries in the past, and we must utilize football to change the narrative from hate to love. More than anytime in our human history, we need coaches, players, administrators, and fans to promote peace, unity and tolerance in every dialogue. We need to speak and practice against violence. All people are born equal, may live different lives, but …

I still can remember staying awake through the night in the early 70’s to watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Monchengladbach on my small black and white television set. One hand on the antenna to keep the picture clear and both eyes glued to screen to watch every action. Franz Beckenbauer’s elegance, Berti Vogts hardness, and Sepp Maier long pants and oversized gloves are still vivid in my imagination. Later in my early teens, Tobby Charles’ voice kept “soccer made in Germany” alive in Southern California with weekly shows. It was …

I have seen much in my career working across the globe, but my short experience with the people and players of Curacao will leave a lasting impression in my memories. Words will never describe accurately the love and the feeling amongst the players. The sounds and sights of my experience were only matched by the colors of the Caribbean’s landscape. The bus ride was out of a MTV music video with reggae sounds tickling your senses. The emotions in the locker room were as spiritual and charged as I have …

My love for the game continues to take me to far away places for challenging projects. A new journey began today on the beautiful island of Curacao in the Caribbean. I will be assisting legendary former Dutch striker, Patrick Kluivert, to guide Curacao to the Semi-Final stage of World Cup 2018 in the CONCACAF region. We will face El Salvador on September 4 and 8th in the home and away series. Curacao may not have a long and accomplished football history, but sights and sounds of the Caribbean island are …

Football has a funny way of steering us to unknown directions and destinations. One moment you are in the full stadium with cheering fans, and the next the lights and sounds of the stadium are a distant memory. One moment the pressure of getting results push stress levels above and beyond human limitations, and the next you actually have the time to enjoy simple pleasures of life. As the project at Shimizu S-Pulse came to an unexpected conclusion, I entered a surprising rewarding period in my life. After a life …

Three and half year has come to an abrupt end. I feel an enormous pain to part with my staff, players, and supporters who I considered family. I poured my heart and soul, blood and sweat into the Shimizu S-Pulse. The results did not always illustrate the progress we made, but the journey inspired a new generation. I have no regrets; only wonderful memories etched in my thoughts and heart forever. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your love, devotion, and support. Thank you for your everlasting …