KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 21: In what could be regarded as fulfilment of a long-awaited desire for football in Nagaland, a new organisation called Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) was formed on Thursday at Ura Hotel in Kohima.
The newly formed association aims to developed and uplift football in the state and also create a favourable environment for the growth of football in the state.
NFCA launch programme was graced by K. Kire, retired Director General of Police and president of Nagaland Veteran Football Association, as the guest of honour.
In his address, Kire said the formation of NFCA was a long-felt need in the state. He expressed hope that the NFCA would be able to take Nagaland forward in the field of football.
Based on the records of football during the last two decades, Kire regretted that the standard of football has gone down as compared to late 1960s and 70s.
Kire who himself was a footballer observed that the Nagas have so much potential in football, but stated that the lack of proper infrastructure and commitment were the drawbacks as to why we couldn’t progress to where we desire.
“Even to compare with the other north eastern states, we are nowhere near them,” he said mentioning that none of the Naga footballers, at present, are representing the top national football clubs.
Highlighting the importance of the role of coaches in any game, he expressed high hope that the formation of NFCA would make a difference in changing the scenario of football in the state and further bring good results.
He also advised the NFCA members to reach out to every nook and corner of the state, especially the rural areas, to find talents. This, he said will help in promoting football to a large extent.
With the formation of NFCA, more than 80 members are registered under the NFCA which will be headed by Roko Angami as the president. The new NFCA members includes Akho Pusa, Kadilinbo and Lima Ao as vice presidents, Keyimgumgwangbe, Wati and Olando as joint secretaries, Gagangpou as treasurer, Zakietuolie Khrodi and Theja Khate as information and publicity secretaries, William Koso as technical advisor, Aso-u Linyü as assistant technical advisor and Vesupra Kezo as finance secretary.
It may be mentioned that Roko and William Koso are the only two Nagas in the state who have attained B-Licence certificate under the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Roko has played for Mumbai based club Mahindra & Mahindra and also represented India Under-16 team at Israel and Nepal. He was also the founding president of Naga Boys club during the early part of 2000. William Koso, the technical advisor of NFCA and former coach of Kohima Komets, is also an AIFF instructor.
Other than the two B-Licence holders, there are also 12 C-Licence holders and 68 D-Licence holders in the state, it was informed. To this, it was informed during the programme that the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) would be organizing a coaching clinic/training in the state for C-Licence certificate by next year.
