Aizawl FC mutually part ways with head coach Standly Rozario

Rozario joined the former I-League champions midway through the 2018-19 season.

I-League outfit Aizawl FC have mutually parted ways with head coach Standly Rozario, the club confirmed on Monday. The former league champions cited personal reasons for the sudden exit of Rozario.

"Aizawl FC and Head coach Henry Standly Rozario have mutually agreed to part ways, the club can confirm. Mr Standly, an AFC pro licence coach was with The People's Club since January 9, 2019. The club was in the 10th position in I-League when he joined. He raised the bar and helped the team to finish in seventh place for the 2018-19 season," Aizawl FC said in a statement.

"Under his guidance, the club also won its third Mizoram Premier League trophy (2019-20 season). Mr Standly trained and nurtured six players who were selected for different ISL teams for the ongoing season. Mr Standly was tested positive for COVID-19 during September 2020 and has recovered completely. Presently, he is not able to join the club in the ongoing season due to personal family commitments (daughter's wedding) for which his presence is required. Understanding his concern, the club have agreed to mutually part ways with him.

"We certainly have had great times together. We thank him for all the things he has done for us and it is greatly appreciated. We wish him all the best for his future. Thank you, Mr Standly Rozario!" the statement further added.

After helping Aizawl FC to a seventh-place finish in the 2018-19 season, Rozario also oversaw the club last season when they were in danger of relegation. They were in the tenth position in March when the season was halted and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mizoram club made a losing start to the 2020-21 season with a 1-0 defeat to Punjab FC. Their next match in the ongoing campaign is against Gokulam Kerala on January 20. It has been understood that Rozario's replacement will be named by the club on Tuesday.