Hyderabad FC set to extend contract of asst. coach Shameel Chembakath

The young coach played a crucial role in development of Sahal Abdul Samad during his stay at Kerala Blasters.

Khel Now understands that the current Hyderabad FC Assistant coach Shameel Chembakath is set to continue with the club till 2025 and will be part of the long-term projects of the Nizams. 

"The successful young tactician is likely to play an important role in the senior side alongside Head Coach Thangboi Singto and First Team Coach Conor Nestor as he's relieved of all his duties in the reserves side and U-18 team. The AFC ‘A’ License holder is now all set to be with the club till the end of the 2024-25 season," a source close to the development informed Khel Now this evening.

About Shameel Chembakath

The 37-year-old hails from the Malappuram district in Kerala. As a player, he began his youth career at SAIL Football Academy, before signing with Viva Kerala in 2004. He also played for the likes of Vasco SC and Mohammedan Sporting and was a part of the Indian national team camp in 2007. In 2014, he began his coaching career and was appointed as the U-15s head coach at Kerala Blasters in 2017.

Eventually, he also went on to work with the Kochi-based outfit’s reserves team and is widely credited with the development of players like Sahal Abdul Samad, along with making them the group champions at the 2017-18 I-League 2nd Division. 

In 2020, Shameel Chembakath made a switch to Hyderabad FC after ending his service with Kerala Blasters FC. He was primarily incharge of the reserve team and U-18 team in the role of the head coach. He extensively worked in nurturing young talents and helped the HFC youngsters to reach the Durand Cup semi-final, despite after being promoted to the first team.

Under his guidance players like Abdul Rabeeh, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, Aman Sahni, Mark Zothanpuia, Mohammed Rafi and Amritpal Singh were able to make a mark of their own and most of them were able to break into the senior team also.

Shameel Chembakath was promoted to the senior team in the role of an Assistant coach in 2022 and he worked closely with Manolo Marquez throughout the season. 

In the upcoming season, Shameel Chembakath will have the added responsibility to work alongside newly appointed Head Coach Thangboi Singto and First team coach Conor Nestor.