Armando Colaco, Dronacharya Awardee, Calls for Greater Opportunities for Indian Football Coaches
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Former Indian national football coach Armando Colaco, who was conferred with the Dronacharya Award 2024 for Lifetime Achievement, expressed hope that the recognition would inspire a new generation of Indian coaches. Speaking to the AIFF website, Colaco emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent in football coaching.
Colaco, a legendary figure in Indian football from Goa, becomes the third Indian football coach to receive the prestigious honour, following Syed Nayeemuddin and Bimal Ghosh.
Reflecting on his four-decade-long coaching career, Colaco said, “This award proves that hard work pays off. I hope to inspire Indian coaches as a bridge between the old and new generations. It’s time for Indian coaches to take centre stage, especially when foreign coaches dominate our football scene.”
Under Colaco’s guidance, Goa’s Dempo Sports Club reached unprecedented heights, winning the National Football League twice and the I-League three times. His tenure saw players like Samir Naik, Mahesh Gawali, Clifford Miranda, and Climax Lawrence shine on the national stage. Between 2004-05 and 2011-12, Dempo emerged as a dominant force in Indian football under his leadership.
Colaco’s achievements as the national coach are equally impressive. In 2011, he led India to a memorable 2-1 victory over Qatar in Doha and a commendable 2-2 draw against the UAE in a World Cup qualifier at the Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi. Recalling a tough match against the UAE, Colaco said, “The 0-3 defeat in the away tie remains etched in my memory. Reduced to nine men within 25 minutes due to red cards, we had to quickly adapt. It was a challenging yet unforgettable experience.”
At 70, Colaco continues to coach actively, currently associated with Sporting Clube de Goa. “My goal now is to elevate the club to the I-League. Challenges excite me. Coaching East Bengal, I faced the Mohun Bagan rivalry head-on, and we remained unbeaten in six matches during my tenure,” he shared.
Colaco also urged for more opportunities for Indian coaches, highlighting their cultural understanding and connection with players. “Indian coaches know the culture, the players, and the spirit of Mother India. That knowledge is invaluable,” he said.
The Dronacharya Award recognizes Colaco’s invaluable contributions to Indian football and sets a benchmark for aspiring coaches across the nation.
Source: ANI
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