NafisaFormer Rangers boss Dick Advocaat is showing no signs of slowing down after committing his future to Curacao and putting himself on course to still be managing when he reaches the age of 80.
The veteran Dutchman has already written his name into World Cup history after leading the tiny Caribbean nation to the biggest tournament in its history.
And despite approaching another remarkable milestone in his long managerial career, Advocaat has now decided that there is still more work to be done.
The 78-year-old has agreed to remain in charge of Curacao until the end of 2027, meaning he could still be patrolling the touchline after celebrating his 80th birthday.
It is another remarkable chapter in a managerial career that has already seen Advocaat take charge of clubs and national teams across the globe.
Advocaat turns 79 later this month and could now become an octogenarian manager, provided he sees out his new Curacao contract.
The former Ibrox boss became the oldest manager in World Cup history when he guided Curacao to their first-ever appearance at the tournament.
The Caribbean side were handed an extremely difficult introduction to the competition, suffering a heavy 7-1 defeat against Germany in their opening fixture in the United States.
However, they showed considerable character to recover from that result.
Curacao followed the defeat against Germany by earning a historic point in their next match, holding Ecuador to a goalless draw and securing their first-ever World Cup point.
Their campaign eventually came to an end with defeat against Ivory Coast, but Advocaat and his players could still look back on an extraordinary achievement after taking Curacao to the World Cup for the first time.
The veteran manager had initially stepped away from the position last year because of health issues affecting his family.
However, he was persuaded to return to lead the nation through their historic World Cup campaign.
Now, rather than walking away again, Advocaat has agreed to remain in the role for at least another year.
The new agreement runs until the end of 2027 and gives the experienced coach the opportunity to continue building on the progress made with Curacao.
It also means Advocaat has once again delayed retirement — something he has become rather accustomed to doing throughout his extraordinary career.
The Dutchman has reportedly retired from management six times previously and has taken charge of eight different national teams during a career spanning several decades.
His latest challenge will begin immediately, with Curacao preparing for a busy Concacaf Nations League schedule during the current international window.
Advocaat will return to the dugout for matches against Costa Rica and Nicaragua, as well as two meetings with Trinidad and Tobago.
So, despite approaching his 79th birthday, the former Rangers manager remains firmly involved at international level.
For a coach who has repeatedly announced his retirement only to return to management, another new contract perhaps should not come as a huge surprise.
But the prospect of Advocaat still managing Curacao when he reaches 80 would nevertheless be quite the achievement.
The former Ibrox boss has already made history by becoming the oldest manager to take charge at a World Cup.
He now has the chance to extend his remarkable managerial story even further.
Nafisa
