By Colo Mero, on behalf of Life Sports family
It is with a heavy heart and deep respect that I share these thoughts to honour the life and legacy of our dear friend, colleague, and coach—William Koso.
William began his professional coaching journey with us at Life Sports Football Club as the Head Coach. From the very beginning, he stood out—not just for his technical knowledge and passion for football, but for the professionalism, vision, and dedication he brought to the game. While with Life Sports, he completed his AFC ‘B’ License and Coach Instructor Course, adding to his growing reputation as a serious football professional. Today, he is not only the first AFC ‘A’ License holder from Nagaland but remains the only one to have achieved that distinction.
Life Sports started in 2008. During those years, we were the only football club in Nagaland that trained daily and throughout the year. We were deeply committed to grassroots football—a vision that William shared with great passion. He played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for structured youth development at a time when the concept was almost unheard of in Nagaland. For the first time in the state’s football history, we hired a full team of certified regular coaches, with William at the helm, and signed players on salary contracts—something truly groundbreaking.
Over 20 footballers lived in my house during those years, and William was not just their coach—he was their mentor, elder brother, and friend.
Under his leadership, Life Sports entered the first edition of the Nagaland Premier League and carried forward the professional club culture in the state for a period of time. With William leading the way, we achieved remarkable milestones. Our team went on to win prestigious tournaments such as the Classic Cup, the NSF Martyr’s Memorial Trophy, and the Chizami Cup. We were selected to play exhibition matches against top teams like Bhaichung Bhutia’s Sikkim United FC and Shillong Lajong FC. We even played Aizawl FC in the semi-finals of the Royal Gold Cup—memorable experiences that helped shape the careers of many young footballers.
William had a rare gift for coaching. He excelled in grassroots development and was equally effective at the senior level. His training sessions were intense, disciplined, and highly technical. Many footballers across Nagaland recognised him as one of the best technical coaches they had ever trained under. He believed in hard work, precision, and professionalism—values he instilled in every player who passed through his hands.
William impacted not only footballers but also football coaches. Most coaches in Nagaland did their initial Football Coach Courses under him—many of whom have built successful careers today.
Hundreds of footballers were trained through the school football, grassroots and youth initiatives of Life Sports. Many of those who came through us are still actively shaping and impacting Nagaland football today. Some outstanding products among them are players and coaches now playing key roles in the first edition of the Nagaland Super League: Sanyem Salym and Mero Rhitsho as players; and Khwetelhi Thopi, Lavoriyi Lavos Theluo, and Diethozotuo Sechii as coaches.
His passing is not just a personal loss to those of us who worked with him—it is a profound loss to the football fraternity in Nagaland and the Northeast. He was a coach of rare quality, with the potential to reach the highest levels of Indian football. Sadly, we have lost him too soon.
But even in his absence, his legacy lives on—in the lives of the players he trained, in the hearts of the young coaches he mentored, and in the vision of grassroots and professional football he helped build.
On behalf of Life Sports and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with William, we salute a life lived with purpose, excellence, and unwavering dedication.
REST IN PEACE, dear Coach. You gave us your best—and we are forever grateful.
