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Dimapur/Kohima, March 25 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has led the state in mourning the untimely demise of N William Koso, a prominent football coach and coach educator, who passed away on March 25 following a road accident in Chümoukedima.
Koso, the first coach from Nagaland to earn an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) A License and an AIFF 'D' License Instructor certification, played a significant role in developing football in the state. His contributions spanned coaching, player development and coach education.
CM Rio: In a condolence message, CM Rio expressed sadness and shock over Koso’s sudden passing, calling it an "immense loss to the sporting fraternity, particularly the football community."
"As the Technical Head of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), he played a pivotal role in shaping the league with his expertise, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game," he stated.
The CM also highlighted Koso’s contributions to mentoring hundreds of players and coaches across the region and his role as a Coach Educator for both AIFF and AFC.
"His influence reached far beyond the pitch, as he worked relentlessly to elevate the standard of football in Nagaland. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts," he added.
Rio extended his condolences to Koso’s family and loved ones, praying for strength and solace during this difficult time.
Abu Metha: Advisor to the CM and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha, also expressed his grief, recalling his recent conversation with Koso at the ongoing NSL.
"William was more than a colleague—he was family," Metha said, calling him "a key figure in Nagaland football and a pillar in India’s football ecosystem."
He lauded Koso's journey from grassroots football to coaching top regional clubs, his role in the state and national football federation's vision, and his recent completion of an Educators' Programme in Mumbai.
Metha described Koso as kind, humble, and working tirelessly to shape the NSL. "His loss will be felt for years to come," he added, conveying his condolences to Koso’s bereaved family.
Football Licensed Coaches of Kohima District (FLCoKD): The FLCoKD expressed their heartbreak over Koso's tragic passing, calling him "a visionary who dedicated his life to the growth of football in Nagaland."
"As the first AFC A License holder from the state, he set new standards of excellence, inspiring countless players and coaches," it said, noting his historic contribution to NSL and nurturing talent through training programmes.
FLCoKD also termed Koso "a steadfast colleague whose commitment to professionalism, grassroots development, and coach education.”
Extending condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity, FLCoKD said Koso’s lasting legacy would continue to inspire the beautiful game he loved so dearly.
Peren District Football Association (PDFA): The PDFA expressed sorrow over Koso's passing, calling him "a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to countless players and colleagues."
‘His contributions to football development in Nagaland and his unwavering passion for the game have left an indelible mark. His commitment to nurturing talent and instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance will be remembered for years to come,’ it stated.
The association extended its condolences to Koso’s family and all those he had inspired.
Shamator District Football Association (SDFA): The SDFA also mourned Koso's demise, calling it "a huge loss not only for Kohima but for the entire state."
Koso was not only a trailblasing football coach and educator but also a great leader in the football fraternity, it said, adding that his sudden demise has created a huge vacuum in Nagaland football.
It also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and the entire football community in this moment of sorrow.
