The presence of domestic coaches is crucial to the survival of any league. Khalid Jamil and Thangboi Singto are two such players in the current Indian Super League (ISL). Remarkably, both coaches were mainstays in Indian football before the ISL’s founding.

Domestic coaches now have more opportunities in the ISL thanks to a new regulation implemented for the 2024–25 season that mandates teams to designate an Indian assistant coach with an AFC Pro License or an equivalent qualification. This move improves Indian coaches’ chances of becoming head coaches in the future by giving them the chance to collaborate closely with seasoned head coaches from around the world and by giving them the chance to assume leadership roles.

Singto further addressed the issue of how management and clubs have begun to acknowledge the potential of Indian coaches.

“I’m happy to stay on as head coach at Hyderabad FC with the new ownership. They have faith in my ability to do the job. Many people believe that more Indian coaches would take over ISL teams as former national team players like Renedy Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Gouramangi Singh, and others finish their coaching licenses.

Managing NorthEast United FC’s youth development was Khalid Jamil’s first ISL endeavor. Jamil became well-known in the ISL during the 2020–21 season. He led prominent Indian football teams like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal and was an I-League champion himself with Aizawl FC. He became the first Indian coach to lead the Highlanders to the ISL playoffs since Gerard Nus left. He did this by altering the team’s chemistry.

In the 2023–24 season, Jamil returned to the ISL after a hiatus when Jamshedpur FC called. After the club fired Scott Cooper, Jamil took over as manager of a struggling Jamshedpur team. He persevered and gave the club his all, but in the end, they were unable to go to the postseason. He was signed on for this season, and after three games, he already looks fantastic, sitting third in the standings.

Speaking about his adversary Thangboi Singto, he said, “Jamshedpur FC has continued to believe in Khalid Jamil this season.” 2013 saw me complete my pro license with him in Japan. Although he has always been reserved, he wants to prove his abilities on the field. He is an excellent instructor to follow. While Khalid Jamil and Jamshedpur FC have had a strong start to the ISL 2024–25 season, Thangboi Singto and his team are hoping to win their first three games when they meet Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday at home. Now, the two experienced head coaches serve as rays of light for the next generation of Indian coaches, who have what it takes to lead an ISL team to victory.