BANGALORE: By winning five I-League soccer titles in eight seasons for Dempo Sports Club, Goa, Armando Colaco has carved a niche for himself in the annals of Indian football. Armando has done wonders with Dempo, which incidentally were relegated in 2000 from the top tier. But in a span of three seasons, Armando coached them to glory in 2004-2005. Dempo won it again for two seasons in a row in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. A year later they wrested it again before surrendering it to their arch-rivals Salgacoar. But again this year they have reigned supreme.
Armando also coached Dempo to the semifinal of the AFC Cup in 2008. The former Dempo, Goa and Indian defender is hungry for more. “My focus will be to build up a good side and for us to do well in the AFC circuit next season,” said Armando. “I have been fortunate to have some disciplined and dedicated band of players, Indian and foreign. That has made my job a lot more easier. The Dempo management has also given me all the freedom to chose players and employ my own tactics.”
Five I-League titles, one Federation Cup, two Super Cups and thrice in the AFC Cup knockout round including an entry into the semifinals of the AFC Cup in 2008 all speak for Armando’s tactical acumen and player management skills.
Armando has instilled not just belief in them but has also inculcated the benefits of adopting a first-time passing game that is effective and attractive at the same time. But while doing all this to keep possession, Armando has never failed to drive home the point that players must shoot when they have to if goals are to come by. Most often, Dempo’s strikers like Ranty Martins have walked away with the top-scorers’ award too. Dempo and Armando have shown the way and it is for the AIFF to follow their path to success.