Changsang Ongbou, hailing from Tuensang, has achieved a significant achievement by successfully completing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) C license course, despite encountering challenges, including a battle with drug addiction. He concluded the intensive program in Kohima in May, with the results being announced on Tuesday evening by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The C license course was organized by the Nagaland Football Association, with William Koso, an AFC C coach educator, serving as the instructor. Ongbou had previously completed his AIFF D License course in 2023 at Thenyizu village in Phek district.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Ongbou expressed his gratitude to God for enabling him to complete the course.
In pursuit of his football career, Ongbou abandoned his studies after completing higher secondary school. Ongbou, in the early 2000s also represented Nagaland in the Subroto Cup, played in local tournaments, and participated in the Dr T Ao Trophy for his district. Unfortunately, Ongbou, once a footballer with exceptional talent, began struggling with drug abuse in 2013.
However, after a decade-long ordeal, Ongbou triumphed over his addiction and made a triumphant return to football, this time as a coach. He completed the D license course and became a full-time coach in Tuensang, working with children at the grassroots level and becoming a role model in his community.
Ongbou, now 36, shared his plans of starting coaching for women in the district (Tuensang). Changsang acknowledged the challenges faced by the district due to the absence of a women’s football team in Tuensang; however, he admitted that he sees it as an opportunity to contribute to women’s football in the area.
The C license holder has also committed to developing a national player in the future.
