16 Mar 2003(Sun)

Don't be jealous now when I tell you this next piece of information.

But it was very pleasant talking to Pele about Japanese football in Tokyo the other night!

The only problem with Pele is that he is such a good ambassador for the game, such a diplomat as he represents MasterCard around the world, that his answers are often predictable.

In fact I could have written Pele's answers before I had asked him the questions!

OK, I will tell the truth.

Pele was not actually in Tokyo. He was in Berlin, Germany, at a sponsor press conference during which MasterCard revealed they had spent $200 million in the past few years promoting their involvement in the global game.

I was at the Cerulean Tower in Shibuya, on the 16th Floor to be precise in the office of the local MasterCard operation. I spoke to Pele via telephone, as media from around Asia had a few precious moments with the World Cup legend.

I asked Pele what he thought about Zico's appointment as national coach, considering Zico's lack of experience as a coach at club or national team level.

Pele said he had "no doubt" Zico would be a success.

"He worked as a supervisor for the Brazilian national team at the France World Cup, and also has his own team in the Brazilian second division," said Pele.

"He has talent, experience and knows the game."

But then Pele added significantly: "But it's normal that a coach needs a little bit of luck. I wish him very good luck in Japan."

Pele begins most answers with "no doubt."

He is so eager to please that even if you asked him if Singapore could win the next World Cup he would begin his reply: "No doubt. But first they must have a strong league and give their players experience outside their own country."

Here is another question to Pele from a colleague in Tokyo.

"Is it realistic for Japan to talk about reaching the quaterfinals of the 2006 World Cup?"

Pele said: "No doubt. Japan did well last year and has a good team. But playing outside your own country in Europe is a little more complicated. And don't forget they will not have the support of their own fans."

This to me suggested Pele did not think Japan could reach the last eight in 2006.

Personally, I don't think anyone in Japan should be talking about the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals. First I think they should be talking about qualifying, as this is not going to be a foregone conclusion with South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iran also in the battle.

But was it an interesting experience chatting to Pele?

No doubt!

ends