Victorious Watanya in amicable split from FAT
National under-23 football team manager Watanya Wongopasi has resigned her post, despite the team’s successful gold medal defence at the 29th SEA Games.
Dubbed “Madame Dear” by the local media, the president of the News Network Corporation (which runs Spring News Channel) announced her resignation after talks with Football Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompanmoung, who decided that none of the national teams needed managers in future.
Unlike other countries, the main contribution of Thai team managers is financial – training is supervised solely by the national coach.
Even the national senior team that just concluded its World Cup Qualifying campaign has no manager. It only has head coach Milovan Rajevac.
“I will do anything to help Thai football move forwards. If the new policy is to put work in system then we should follow it,” said Watanya, who became the first female SEA Games team manager when she took up this position in May last year.
“I had a dream to help the team win the SEA Games and the goal has been fulfilled. I couldn’t ask for more.
“I feel so thankful for this opportunity given to me by the Football Association of Thailand and Somyot. It’s time that I should go back to resume my responsibility at my station. I’ve taken a long leave already.”
Since his arrival last year football chief Somyot has tried to remove all the team manager, even those who have contributed greatly and over a long period.
It’s not clear yet if national under-23 coach Worrawoot Srimaka will still want to continue his work after his colleague’s resignation.
