Indians can now coach ISL clubs as per latest circular

The premier football league of the country has had some of the great players and veteran tacticians since its inception in the likes of Zico, Roberto Carlos, Marco Materazzi, Steve Coppell, David Platt and Gianluca Zambrotta to guide the sides. It has not only developed the sides but also attracted many eyeballs, which was the board’s primary objective.

However, with five seasons successfully spent and the clubs getting a fan base irrespective of big names now, the board has opened up the provision of the Indian coaches to take charge of the league side for the first time from next season. As per the circular, one can be a head coach if he has a Pro License, has been with the club for two years at least and on the bench for 16 matches. He should also have the experience of managing a top division team. 

While India has as many as 14 Pro License coaches, who seem eligible for the conditions given, not all of them can qualify to coach a club. The only coaches to take up the task by ticking all the boxes would be FC Goa technical director Derrick Pereira and Kerala Blasters FC assistant coach Thangboi Singto. Chennaiyin FC’s Sabir Pasha ticks most of them barring the fact that he hasn’t coached a top-tier team.

"This is a good step forward, provided clubs give Indian Pro License coaches a chance. That will boost all the A License holders. The coaches keep asking 'what's the use of obtaining licenses, if we don't get a chance to coach'. This is a chance for coaches to prove they are not far behind, provided they are mentored," said All India Football Federation's technical director Savio Medeira. India has 313 'A' License coaches.