12 Indian coaches complete AFC Pro License; Boosting football coaching standards

Former players like Arata Izumi and Gouramangi Singh are the eye-catching names who completed the course successfully.

It is a proud moment and a remarkable achievement for Indian Football, as 12 Indian coaches have successfully completed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Pro License Diploma Course. This is a significant milestone in the coaching careers of these 12 individuals, who will be ready to make the big leap.

The coaches’ course requires at least 220 hours of coursework and an AFC A Diploma. AFC has proposed this mandatory qualification for aspiring coaches in the AFC Cup, AFC Champions League, and national professional leagues. The final and fifth module of the rigorous course was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where these coaches demonstrated their commitment, expertise, and passion for the game.

AFC Pro License/Diploma key details

Assessment

• Module 1 to 3: No assessments
• Module 4: 1 practical assessment
• Module 5: 2 practical assessments, 2 theory exams, 1 dissertation
• Prepare log book during the course
• Session planning task
• Annual planning task

Licensing Criteria

• National team
• Professional clubs

Cost

AIFF License fees 300000/- + organizational cost to be paid to the state/organisation

Pre-Requisite

• AFC ‘A’ Diploma
• Coaching and Playing Football CV
• 2 References (TD, COO/CEO of Club, PRO Coaches)
• Letter from club/team he/she will be associated with during the duration of the Diploma

License Validity : 3 years

A huge achievement for Indian Football coaches

Apart from being the highest coaching qualification issued by the AFC, it is an elite license that prepares coaches to manage at the highest levels of football. It comprises intensive modules that cover technical, tactical, psychological, and managerial aspects of the game. The course aims to hone the skills necessary for top-tier coaching roles.

Among the list of names who completed their diploma, there are some familiar names who have made significant contributions to Indian football, both on and off the field. Priya PV, who is considered a trailblazer in Indian women’s football, will now be an inspiring figure for aspiring female coaches. Her achievements and completion of the diploma highlights the growing presence and impact of women in Indian football coaching.

Ex-India Internationals also on the list

The list also features ex-India players turned coaches who are hoping to build on their on-field experience to the coaching side. Former East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC midfielder Arata Izumi, the first Indian international to be born outside India, is a popular name. Becoming well-known for his technical prowess as a player, Arata will now be looking to use the highest coaching credential to aid Indian football’s development.

Gourmangi Singh and Steven Dias are two more former Indian internationals who completed the course. Another notable graduate is Raman Vijayan, a former prolific striker in Indian football. His coaching journey has seen him make a substantial impact at the grassroots and professional levels, and he will now be looking to further empower the next wave of Indian talent.

List of coaches who completed the AFC Pro Diploma include:

• Priya PV (Former Gokulam Kerala & India U-17 women’s team head coach)
• Arata Azumi (Former Reliance Foundation Young Champs head coach)
• Gourmangi Singh (Current FC Goa assistant coach)
• Raman Vijayan (Former Chennaiyin FC assistant coach)
• Steven Benedic Dias (Jamshedpur FC B team head coach)
• Sajid Yousuf Dhar (Former Indian youth coach)
• Caetano Infacio de Souza Pinho
• Gumpe Rime (Former Shillong Lajong GK coach)
• Shameel Chembakath (Current Hyderabad FC assistant coach)
• Shuvendu Panda (Former India U-19 men’s football team coach)
• Thekkathara Gopalkrishnan Purushothaman (Kerala Blasters assistant coach)
• Yan Cheng Law (Current Delhi FC head coach)

This accomplishment is a monumental step for Indian football. With more coaches obtaining the AFC Pro License, the quality of football in India is expected to rise. The experience gained by these coaches through the AFC’s rigorous curriculum will help them guide their teams more effectively and develop future stars.

The presence of highly qualified coaches is crucial for India’s progress in international football. As these coaches return home with new insights and skills, they are likely to have a lasting impact on the teams and players they work with, ultimately contributing to the overall growth of Indian football.

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