Team Herald
PANJIM: Football Coach Armando Colaco has scripted history as the first Goan to receive the prestigious Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category, India's highest recognition for coaches.
Colaco, currently the head coach of Sporting Goa in I-League 2, has enjoyed a stellar coaching career, most notably as the most successful manager in the history of I-League club Dempo over the past two decades. He is also the club's longest-serving manager.
An admirer of the legendary Ukrainian coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi, Colaco made history in 2008 by becoming the first I-League coach to lead an Indian team into the semi-finals of the AFC Cup. His managerial expertise has earned him a reputation as one of India's finest football coaches, having led teams like Churchill Brothers and Dempo to numerous successes. Additionally, he has managed the Goa football team in the Santosh Trophy.
Armando's journey into coaching began after his playing days, with encouragement from football mentors Alberto Colaço and Agnelo Mascarenhas. After starting his coaching career with Salcete Football Club in 1985, he quickly made his mark by winning the Stafford Cup, followed by a successful stint at Sesa Goa, where he guided them to the Vitthal Trophy. Colaco's journey in football coaching saw him lead several teams, including the Goa U-21 and U-23 teams, to significant victories in national tournaments.
Former AIFF secretary Alberto Colaço congratulated Armando for winning the prestigious award.
Agasaim Youth Club also congratulated Armando, who is the Secretary of the club. Club president Mathew, Xavier Gracias, Queeno Gurjao, Camilo Gonsalves hailed Armando for bringing honour and glory to Goa as the first Goan to be honoured with the topmost Dronacharya lifetime award for coaches.