N William Koso, a trailblazing football coach and coach educator from Nagaland, passed away this morning following a tragic accident at Chumuokedima.
According to SportsLIVE Nagaland, sources said following a tragic car accident, he was rushed to Referral Hospital and was later declared death by the doctors in the wee hours.
While a post mortem awaits to be done at dimapur civil hospital.
Koso, widely recognized as the first coach from the state to earn the prestigious AFC A license, leaves behind an enduring legacy in Indian football and a huge gap to fill in for Nagaland football community.
Koso was instrumental in bringing the Nagaland Super League to the state, serving as the technical committee convenor for the league.
In this role, he also ensured that the NSL upheld high standards of competition and professionalism nurting coaches into the NSL clubs through his coaching courses.
He also played a key role in training and certifying coaches, with more than five NSL coaches having been part of his courses, a testament to his commitment to uplifting grassroots coaching standards in the region.
Throughout his illustrious career, Koso served in several pivotal roles. He was a former assistant coach at Aizawl FC, contributing to the team’s I-League trophy win, and he led Life Sports Football Club as head coach, where his visionary approach nurtured talent and instilled discipline. In his capacity as High Performance Manager at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) in Nagaland, he was responsible for training, mentoring, and elevating the standard of football coaching, ensuring that young footballers received quality guidance to excel at higher levels of competition.
Beyond his direct coaching responsibilities, Koso was deeply involved in coach education.
He served as a key instructor in various licensing courses, including the AIFF D License and AFC C Diploma programs, thereby significantly contributing to the professional development of coaches in Nagaland.
His multifaceted career—as a head coach, mentor, and educator—helped establish a strong foundation for grassroots development in the state. His pioneering spirit and dedication to the beautiful game remain a lasting testament to his profound impact on Nagaland football.
NSL postpones Playoff Match 2 to honor Late William Koso
Meanwhile, the Governing Body of the NSL has announced that Playoff Match 2 between Barak FC and Nagaland United FC, scheduled to be played at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on March 25, has been postponed.
“In light of the sudden and heartbreaking demise of our dear brother and colleague, Late Mr. William Koso, Technical Convenor of the Nagaland Super League, the NSL Governing Body has decided to postpone today’s Playoff Match 2 as a mark of respect and remembrance,” the NSL Governing Body said in a statement.
The match will now be played on March 26, 2025 (Wednesday) at 4:30 PM at the same venue, it was informed.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of Late Mr. William Koso. His contribution, dedication, and presence will be deeply missed by the entire football fraternity of Nagaland,” the NSL added.
