Oranje Sports Forum for technical assistance, to Baan's appointment, to roping in a junior team coach Arthur Papas who's a devout believer of the Netherland style of play, there has been an underlying Dutch thread in Indian football. We are in for interesting times.
Koevermans's task is cut-out though. He takes charge of a team that's going through a tricky, transitional phase, although there's plenty of action at the grassroots level. Old guards Baichung Bhutia, Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli have walked into sunset. Someone such as Steven Dias is not the same force anymore. Young guns Jeje Lalpekhlua and Lalrindika Ralte have shown promise but lack finesse. How Koevermans moulds them into a competitive unit will be keenly observed.
Goalkeeper Subrata Pal, expectedly, is looking forward to working with him. "A foreign coach always brings a different perspective. I've heard a thing or two about him and I am keen to meet him, learn his philosophy and take the national team a step ahead," Pal told DNA.
Koevermans will also have to deal with limited infrastructure, an area the previous foreign coach Bob Houghton struggled to deal with. In Ireland and Netherlands, Koevermans would not have faced such 'basic' difficulties.
FIFA development officer Shaji Prabhakaran is of the opinion that the deal will benefit India in the long term. "There is no reason to be pessimistic about Wim's appointment. There are challenges but he can make a difference with his experience. With Rob, he should form an excellent team to develop Indian football," Prabhakaran said.