Dempo Sports Club’s newly appointed Technical Director Karnagaran Naidoo, who is popularly known as ‘Katz’ is of the opinion that the two leagues must merge together to form an even more competitive league. Here are the excerpts.
Herald: You had joined the GFDC with high expectations and goals. What made you not to renew your contract?
Katz Naidoo: The mission at GFDC for me remains incomplete. The renewal of my contract was up to the Council to decide. An contract extension would have given me the right to consolidate the work I had introduced.
Herald: What is your next challenge and goal as Technical Director of Dempo SC?
KN: My mandate at Dempo is for grassroots to take root, coach the coaches and set curricula for the different phases of development. Make Dempo SC a leader in grassroots football and coordinate with educators to make football the main sport activity in their schools. Put in place a philosophy that will filter to the first team and serve Dempo in all football related activities.
Herald: Have you spotted any exceptional talent at GFDC’s grassroots that you plan to include at Dempo’s grassroots programme? Kindly name the talents in your radar?
KN: There is a great deal of talent in Goa, but to keep track and nurturing these talented players remains crucial and a challenge. One must take into consideration the characteristics of youth to understand this challenge. The social environment plays a vital role in the development of talent. I can’t give you the names, but with proper guidance many will reach greater heights. I do not believe in owning players. At Dempo we will identify talent through scouting structures through a series of tournaments of Dempo’s and school competitions. If I give you a packet of seeds, is it possible to tell which one will grow? Therefore, finding and nurturing talent will on going.
I think it is important for us at Dempo SC to keep our doors open to all youth players, after all no one owns football.
Herald: What about the overall talent in Goa? How do you rate the youngsters?
KN: Like all over the World, Goa has a lot of talent. What is important is how we keep this talent on track.
Rating them, can be detrimental. Praises too early can be negative. For example, all the players that played for South Africa in Danone U-12 tournament in France in 2002, none of them are playing top flight football in country at present.
If we track this talent and support it professional they can be global competitors, but it is hard work and commitment for all involved in development. Remember the 10,000-hour syndrome.
Herald: What is your say on the impact of ISL and I-League?
KN: The ISL has become a show stopper and the attendance at the I-League games is a worry. It will be beneficial if both leagues marry to form a very competitive league. That could be lucrative for the teams and India.
Herald: How long do you plan to work with Dempo’s ?
KN: My stint at Dempo is on a contractual basis. I want to validate the trust and confidence Dempo has extended to me.
