Explore the remarkable journey of the top five legendary coaches in I-League history, whose tactical brilliance and leadership have shaped the league. From inspiring victories to building championship-winning teams, these iconic figures have left an indelible mark, guiding clubs to glory and setting benchmarks in Indian football. Discover their contributions and lasting impact on the beautiful game.
Armando Colaco will go down as the greatest manager in I-League history
In 2007, the National Football League underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as the I-League. For many years, it stood as the pinnacle of Indian football, showcasing the nation’s top talents and intense club rivalries. However, with the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL), the I-League was relegated to the second tier starting from the 2020-21 season. Despite this shift, its legacy remains integral to the story of Indian football.
Over the past 17 years, the I-League has been a stage for numerous legendary managers who shaped its history and led their teams to glory. These tacticians not only secured titles but also influenced the game’s growth in the country. Here’s a look at ten iconic I-League coaches who left an indelible mark on Indian football, etching their names in the annals of the sport.
5. Sanjoy Sen
Since the inception of the I-League, Mohun Bagan faced a title drought that stretched for years. However, the arrival of Sanjoy Sen as head coach marked a turning point in the club’s fortunes. Sen etched his name in the Mariners’ history books by guiding the team to their maiden I-League title in the 2014-15 season. In a nail-biting finish, Mohun Bagan edged past Bengaluru FC by just two points to claim the coveted silverware, ending their long wait for league glory.
Sanjoy Sen’s leadership brought a renewed sense of purpose and tactical acumen to the Green and Maroon Brigade. Building on their success, Mohun Bagan maintained their competitive edge in the following seasons. They finished as runners-up in the next two I-League campaigns, showcasing consistency and determination despite falling short of clinching the title again.
The team’s achievements under Sen weren’t limited to the league alone. Mohun Bagan also lifted the Federation Cup in the 2015-16 season, further solidifying their reputation as one of India’s top football clubs during his tenure. Sanjoy Sen’s era not only ended the title drought but also laid the foundation for the Mariners to dream bigger in Indian football.
4. Karim Bencherifa
The Moroccan football manager is highly regarded within Indian football as he has managed multiple clubs. Karim Bencherifa’s best moment in Indian football came in the 2010-11 season as he helped Salgaocar FC to win the I-League title. The Goan side also won the Federation Cup title in 2011 completing the National double.
3. Zoran Dordevic
The Churchill Brothers SC manager became the first foreign manager to win the I-League. Zoran Dordevic guided the Red Machine to the league title in the 2008-09 season. The Serbian manager also became the first foreign coach to receive the Best Coach of the Year award in India.
2. Ashley Westwood
The Englishman will go down in history as the first-ever manager of Bengaluru FC. Regarded as a legend within the South Indian club, Ashley Westwood helped the Blues win the 2013-14 I League title in their very first season. The BFC manager then again won the league in the 2015-16 season.
1. Armando Colaco
The Goan manager is without a doubt one of the most iconic coaches in Indian football. Armando Colaco helped Dempo to three I-League titles in 2007-09, 2009-10, and 2011-12. He is the manager with the most I-League titles to his name and also the first-ever manager to win the I-League title in history.
Having managed Dempo for 13 years, Colaco also won the National Football League twice and also helped the Goan club to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.