SHILLONG:If there is anyone who understands what a harsh mistress Indian football can be, it is Santosh Kashyap. Unwarranted sacking, lack of facilities and funds, politics, clubs abruptly closing down – you name it and chances are the 48-year-old has seen it.
But the tide is finally turning for Kashyap, who not only has mounted a title challenge with unfancied Royal Wahingdoh, but has managed to do so playing an attractive brand of football.
The former Air India and ONGC coach, who also had a tumultuous few months at Mohun Bagan, coached Rangdajied United last year, but was sacked in the middle of a relegation firefight. “Being with Rangdajied last year definitely had its benefits. When I first came to Shillong, I struggled to adapt to the different culture and surroundings. But when I took over Wahingdoh, I had already been here for an year. That made it a lot easier,” says Kashyap.
His job, though, was still the hardest in the I-League. When he took over, Wahingdoh had not yet had a proper pre-season and had made no high-profile signings. What they did have was a young talented team that had been together for a few years. “I could see that they were technically and physically good. So I focused on more tactical sessions. Most of these boys had not played football at the highest level before, so overcoming that fear factor was vital.
“In that respect, the positive results in our first few games helped a lot. That gave the team some much needed confidence.”
But even Kashyap could not have foreshadowed the season that Wahingdoh have had. After upset wins over East Bengal and Pune FC and a thrilling 3-3 draw away against champions Bengaluru FC, the Royals now find themselves in third spot with seven games left, just six points behind leaders Mohun Bagan.
“It is exciting to be finally involved in a title-race. Things have gone well for me this season. All my adverse experiences have made me a better coach. That I got my AFC pro-license in January also helped. Now I have to wait and see how we finish the season.”
Despite his excellent season, Kashyap, whose contract ends in May, is yet to ink an extension with Wahingdoh. But the former India international is not short of options. “I will see if I can agree an extension with Wahingdoh. But I-League is not the only option, now that we have the Indian Super League. I am definitely interested in working with an ISL franchise. We will have to wait and see how things work out.”