AIFF to appoint new head coach for India U-23 friendlies in March

One of the major concerns for Indian football enthusiasts in recent times has been the sporadic activity of the Indian youth teams outside the official AFC match windows, with squads usually coming together only for AFC championship qualifiers. However, after taking office, the new AIFF administration under Kalyan Chaubey pledged to ensure regular fixtures for all Indian youth teams and the women’s team.

Promising changes are on the way, with both India’s senior team and the U-23 team slated for action in March 2024. The senior team is preparing for World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan on the 22nd and 26th of March, while the U-23 team is set to face Malaysia U-23 and two other teams during the same period.

Historical challenges & recent developments of India U-23 football team

The India U-23 team’s performance has been underwhelming, with their last appearance being at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers in September 2023. Under the guidance of Mohun Bagan assistant coach Clifford Miranda, the team faced defeats against China and the UAE.

The India U-23 team, often considered the underperforming tier within the Indian football age-groups, has faced challenges in making a significant mark on the AFC U-23 Championship scene. Since the championship’s inception in 2014, India have struggled to qualify for the main tournament. Out of the 18 games played in the qualifiers to-date, the team has managed only four wins, three draws and 11 losses.

However, a notable exception in this history of underachievement were the qualifiers for the 2012 tournament. Under the guidance of Arthur Papas, a dedicated U-23 coach, India showcased their best performance in the qualifiers. The team, featuring promising talents like Jeje Lalpekhlua, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Lalrindika Ralte and Romeo Fernandes secured a fourth-place finish in Group A.

They achieved two wins, one draw and two losses, accumulating seven points in total. The campaign was highlighted by remarkable victories, including a 5-2 win over Lebanon and closely contested matches such as a 2-1 loss to Iraq and a 1-1 draw against the UAE. Despite being favourites to advance from the group, a 4-0 defeat against Oman in the last match dashed their hopes, leading to a finish behind Iraq, the UAE and Oman.

This period under Arthur Papas was a glimpse into the potential success of the India U-23 team with dedicated coaching and structured preparation. It underscored the significant impact that focused leadership and coaching can have on the performance and development of young footballers.

Need for a dedicated coach

The lack of a full-time coach and adequate preparation for the U-23 qualifiers has consistently hindered the team’s progress. The AIFF’s recent appointment of Igor Stimac‘s assistant, Mahesh Gawli, as head coach of the U-23 team was a welcome development.

However, the overlapping schedules of the U-23 team’s friendlies with the senior team’s crucial World Cup Qualifiers pose a dilemma, as Stimac needs his key assistant for these matches.

Search for a new coach

Trevor Sinclair, who was integrated into the Indian camp before the AFC Asian Cup in January 2024, was seen as a potential interim replacement for Gawli. Yet, due to financial constraints, the AIFF is on the lookout for a new U-23 coach.

Reflecting on Arthur Papas’ successful tenure in 2012, who nurtured talents like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Jeje, Alywn George, Fernandes and many more, there’s a compelling case for hiring a proficient foreign coach. This strategy could significantly contribute to the development of Indian football by providing a talent pipeline to the senior team, serving as an essential step for the upcoming generation of footballers.

Moving Forward

As the AIFF endeavours to secure a suitable head coach for the India U-23 team’s friendlies in March, the overarching goal is to foster a nurturing environment for the development of young talent, ensuring a prosperous future for Indian football.

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