Armando Colaco’s recent success with Sporting Clube de Goa has once again highlighted his status as one of India’s most revered football coaches. After guiding the team to victory in both the Goa Professional League and the I-League 3 championship last season, Colaco’s legacy remains as strong as ever. His triumphs further reinforce his tactical brilliance, leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game.
Colaco, a recipient of the State Kerkar Award, was heavily influenced by Ukrainian coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi. In 2008, he became the first I-League coach to lead an Indian team to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.
The 71-year old former national coach’s journey in football is nothing short of legendary. After an illustrious career with Dempo SC, where he led the club to five national titles, he has continued to demonstrate his excellence in every role. His recent recognition with the Dronacharya Award is not only a celebration of his past accomplishments but also a tribute to his ongoing contributions to the development of football talent in India.
Currently the head coach of Sporting Clube of Goa, Colaco has set his sights on new goals for the upcoming season. “My primary focus is securing promotion to the I-League and I’m committed to ensuring Sporting Clube de Goa’s continued success,”says Colaco.
While the core of the team remains the same, Colaco is actively scouting for new talent to strengthen the squad across all departments, ensuring that the team is ready to take on the challenges of higher competition.
When asked about his perspective on today’s youth and the differences he sees between the older and younger generations, Armando highlighted that players from the older generation were deeply committed to football and played for pride, whereas today’s youth often seek a fast-paced lifestyle and game.
With regards to how the Dronacharya award can impact Goan coaches, “Coaching requires total commitment. Don’t come to the ground just for the sake of it. Don’t coach two or three teams at the same time—focus on one and do it properly, even if it’s only for 20 or 30 minutes. You must know your subject thoroughly. Forget about the results; what matters is that you’re developing and growing as a coach,” he added
He also points out that this commitment extends beyond coaching to how local players are treated.
“I feel that players are not appreciated, while foreign players who teach the same techniques are often praised,”he adds, emphasizing the importance of strength and conditioning in the foreign players’ training, contrasting it with the traditional Goan diet of fish curry and rice, which many Goan players rely on.
Considered as one of the pioneering coaches in India to introduce possession-style football to the country, Colaco’s achievements with Sporting Clube de Goa, along with his continued dedication to nurturing young talent, are a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport. His impact on football in Goa and across India is immeasurable and the journey is far from over.
