Lee Dong-gook, the south Korean all-time scoring leader, will take a certification course. Completing the course would allow him to become part of the coaching staff of the national team or any pro squad.
The Korea Football Association said Lee would attend an Asian Football Confederation course for an A coaching certificate. The program takes place at the National Football Center in Paju. At present, Lee is the oldest pro player in the K League 1. The 41-year-old Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward leads the league with 227 career goals. Three of the goals came from three matches this season.
An A Certificate allows the holder to serve as an assistant coach on a pro club in the K League 1, K League 2, or the national team. According to KFA, there are two certification courses in 2020. The second one will be in November. Candidates must pass both practical and theory examinations. Also, they need to submit a dissertation.
Coaching Certifications of the South Korean All-Time Scoring Leader
Based on football betting reports, Lee got his C Certificate in 2015. In 2017, he got his B Certificate. Individuals with an A Certificate need at least five years of coaching experience to qualify for a Professional Diploma Course.
The Professional Diploma course is the highest coaching certification given by the AFC. It allows the holder to be the head coach of a pro squad or a national team. Although Lee is on his way towards a head coaching path, he is still active as a pro player.
According to a sports forum, Lee scored his first goal of the season coming off the bench to help Jeonbuk win in the season opener against the Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Last Saturday, he made his first start and scored a goal against FC Seoul.
At present, Jeonbuk leads the K League 1 standings with 12 points. According to a sports betting forum, the team got four wins and one loss in the ongoing season.
