Shameel Chembakath appointed Hyderabad FC Reserves team coach

The young tactician was a part of the coaching team that led Kerala Blasters Reserves to the Kerala Premier League title last season.

Khel Now has learned that former Kerala Blasters Reserves and U-15s coach Shameel Chembakath has been roped in by Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Hyderabad FC on a long-term deal, as their Reserves and U-18s head coach. The successful young tactician is likely to play an important role in youth development under the watchful eyes of Borussia Dortmund -- Hyderabad FC's new partner club.

"Shameel Chembakath has signed a three-year deal with Hyderabad FC as the new head coach of both their Reserves and U-18s sides," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. It means that the AFC 'A' Licence holder is now all set to be with his new club till the end of the 2022-23 season.

The 34-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 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. Earlier this year, he was a part of their coaching team in the Kerala Premier League (KPL), where they lifted their first-ever trophy after beating Gokulam Kerala on penalties.

It goes without saying that Shameel's appointment at Hyderabad FC is one of their most important signings this season, as far as youth development is concerned. The club recently announced a multi-year partnership with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who are expected to help them in the technical aspects, coaching and youth development.

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BVB are renowned for their success and specialization in nurturing and developing young players and will now focus on building and supporting Hyderabad on their academy structure as well as guiding their coaches on coach education. Indian coaches like Shameel Chembakath who will now work for the ISL side, are hence expected to work closely with the Bundesliga club.