Coach Joel Williams to lead Tuensang in Dr. T Ao Trophy

TUENSANG — The Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) on Wednesday introduced Joel Richard Williams as the district head coach for the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy, 2026, scheduled to be held in August.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the TDFA office in Tuensang.

Williams said it was his pleasure to give back “in whatever capacity” to a district he held a soft corner for. He said he preferred working with people aligned with similar ambitions and ideas to improve football not just in Nagaland but specifically in Tuensang.

“We need to do everything as one, we need to be aligned in everything and need to be a cohesive unit,” he said, adding that the aim is to make everyone believe the team has what it takes to win.

Also read: Joel Richard Williams appointed head coach of Tuensang District Football Association team

He also urged supporters and the community to back the team in whatever way possible, describing the tournament as “an opportunity to express ourselves, to create something magical, something big and give back to the community.”

On the prospects of young footballers, Williams said many youngsters are keen to develop their skills and that “the talent that there is in Nagaland is raw and untapped.” He urged parents to consider football as a possible career option for their children.

TDFA president Menya Wongto Chang said Nagaland has many talented players but lacks a structured pathway for development.

“Despite having talents they are lots people who don't know what to do. They can only practise and play for district tournaments and nothing beyond that. So we have to put in their minds that football is not limited. Having Joel as a coach can provide that structured pathway and start towards professional football,” he said.