In a surprise move, Shabbir Ali, who was relieved by Churchill Brothers as coach due to his wife's illness, joined Salgaocar on Tuesday.

"Shabbir Ali joined the club from today as we wanted to relieve the present coach Savio Medeira, who would be leaving for Malaysia to attend AFC professional coaching course," Secretary of Salgaocar Sports Club, Henry Britto confirmed.

With Salgaocar having to play three matches in the ongoing National Football League (NFL), Shabbir's immediate job is to win all the three and improve the team's position in the points tally. Salgaocar are placed seventh.

For Shabbir, this is his second stint with Salgaocar.

Earlier, he coached the club from 1997 to 1999 and was successful in winning them the Goa [Images] Professional League, National Football League, Durand Cup, Super Cup and Rovers Cup during his 17-month rein.

Giving details about the AFC course, Britto said the first phase starts from May 2 and will continue till May 22 at Malaysia. The second phase would be held from July 25 to August 13 at Germany [Images] while the third phase would be held between August 15 to October 31 with the club attachment.

The fourth and final phase of the training would be held between November 16 to December three at Malaysia, Britto added.