Top five coaches with most Durand Cup titles

Durand Cup was started by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand in Shimla in 1888.

In the realm of Indian football, the Durand Cup stands as a testament to coaching excellence and strategic brilliance. Among the many who have shaped the sport, a select few coaches have left an indelible mark by amassing the highest number of Durand Cup trophies. 

These coaches not only led their teams to triumph in one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments but also contributed significantly to the growth of the game.

Their strategic ingenuity and leadership have redefined football coaching in India, earning them a place among the greatest in the sport’s history. Each of these coaches brought a unique style and profound impact, helping their teams achieve remarkable success on the Durand Cup stage. 

With that being said, we at Khel Now take a look at the top five coaches with the most Durand Cup trophies.

5. Armando Colaco – 1 title

2006 (Dempo SC)

Armando Colaco, currently coaching Sporting Goa in the I-League 2, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Dempo. Notably, he guided Dempo to victory in the prestigious Durand Cup in 2006, a significant highlight of his career. Under Colaco’s leadership, Dempo not only triumphed in the Durand Cup but also established a dominant presence in Indian football. 

His tenure at Dempo FC, marked by this notable Durand Cup win, contributed to his reputation as one of India’s top football managers. Colaco’s success with Dempo and Churchill Brothers, combined with his historic achievement of leading an Indian team to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup in 2008, underscores his profound impact on Indian football.

4. Subash Bhowmick – 2 titles

2002, 2004 (East Bengal)

Subash Bhowmick, since joining East Bengal in 1999, emerged as one of the club’s most successful coaches. Despite a challenging first stint during the 1999–2000 season, his second tenure brought a wave of victories. Under his leadership, East Bengal secured back-to-back NFL titles in 2002–03 and 2003–04, along with triumphs in the Calcutta Football League, Durand Cup, and IFA Shield. 

A highlight of his career was guiding East Bengal to victory in the ASEAN Club Championship in Indonesia in 2003. Bhowmick’s success cemented his legacy in Indian football, despite stepping down in 2005 following an alleged bribery scandal.

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3. Syed Nayeemuddin – 3 titles

1990, 1991, 1995 (East Bengal)

Syed Nayeemuddin, born in 1944 and known as Nayeem, is a distinguished Indian football coach and former player who captained the Indian football team. He has managed clubs like Mahindra United, Brothers Union, Dhaka Mohammedan, and the Bangladesh national team. Nayeemuddin is the only sportsperson to have won both the Arjuna Award (1997) and the Dronacharya Award, highlighting his exceptional contribution to the sport.

Appointed as head coach of East Bengal in 1990, Nayeemuddin made an immediate impact by leading the club to their second Triple-crown of Indian football, which included a prestigious Durand Cup victory. During his first stint, he helped East Bengal secure six trophies in two seasons, including the Durand Cup.

Reappointed in 1994, he guided the team to seven more trophies in two seasons, with the Durand Cup being a highlight of his achievements. His final stint was in 2000, and he holds the record for winning eighteen trophies as East Bengal’s head coach, second only to P. K. Banerjee. 

2. Amal Dutta – 4 titles

1978, 1982 (East Bengal); 1985, 1986 (Mohun Bagan)

Amal Dutta was a pioneering Indian footballer, coach, and manager, hailed as the first professional football coach in India. Born in Calcutta, he introduced the innovative “diamond system” in the late 1970s, earning him the moniker “Diamond Coach.” Dutta’s coaching career was marked by significant successes, particularly in the Durand Cup. 

With East Bengal, he clinched numerous titles, including the Durand Cup, IFA Shield, Rovers Cup, and several others. His tenure with Mohun Bagan was even more illustrious, leading the team to two Durand Cup victories among other prestigious titles. His tactical acumen and innovative strategies left a lasting impact on Indian football. 

1. Sir Syed Abdul Rahim – 5 titles

1950-51, 1954, 1957-58, 1961 (Hyderabad City Police)

Syed Abdul Rahim popularly known as Rahim Saab, was a seminal figure in Indian football. Often hailed as the architect of modern Indian football, Rahim Saab’s tenure is celebrated as the “golden age” of the sport in India.

In 1950, Rahim took over as coach of the Hyderabad City Police Club, succeeding Norbert Andrew Fruvall. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, winning five consecutive Rovers Cups from 1950 to 1955. Additionally, Rahim guided his team to six Durand Cup finals, securing four of them.

His innovative coaching methods and motivational skills left a lasting impact on Indian football, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in the sport.

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