Nualphan's decision cheersThailand team
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Thailand women's football team yesterday were celebrating the news that their manager Nualphan Lamsam had taken back her resignation following calls from various parties to stay on in the post she has held for nearly seven years.
Thai girls, who earlier this year made their first ever appearance at the World Cup finals in Canada, welcomed Nualphan’s return to the national setup.
“Happy and very surprised that Khun Pang decided to return as the national team manager again. Thank you for not abandoning us and always staying on our side. We love Madame Pang,” midfielder Pikul Khueanpet wrote on her Instagram page.
The 49-year-old Nualphan, who is credited with reviving the Thai girls’ fortunes in recent years, left everyone in shock by resigning from the job in the wake of the country’s elimination from the Olympic qualifying second round in Myanmar last month.
The Muang Thai Insurance CEO reaffirmed her intention to step down when she appeared at a press conference along with the Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi a fortnight ago. Last week, Tourism and Sports minister Korbkarn Wattanavrangkul made a personal appeal to Nualphan to continue in the job.
Nualphan, fondly called “Madame Pang” by fans and media alike, announced at a Muang Thai Insurance’s concert on Friday that she has decided to continue to loud cheers from the audience.
“Several parties, the tourism and sports minister, the media wanted me to work for the national team again. After much contemplation in the last two weeks, I made the decision to resume my duties and carry on developing Thai women football,” said Nualphan.
