Is Naushad Moosa the Right Choice for India's U23 Men's National Team Coach?

New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially named Naushad Moosa as the head coach for the India U-23 men’s national team.

Moosa will commence his role on June 1, 2025, during the team’s training camp in Kolkata, with a primary focus on preparing the Blue Colts for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, as per the directives provided to the federation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Having previously coached the India U23s in two friendly matches against Malaysia last year, Moosa expressed his enthusiasm following his appointment, stating, “Leading my country, whether as a player or coach, is an immense honor. It’s a thrilling opportunity to guide the U-23 team for a second consecutive year.”

“In the past year, we laid a solid foundation, and the players demonstrated significant dedication. This year, we come back with enhanced experience, greater determination, and some new talents who will undoubtedly strengthen the team. I am optimistic that we will continue to develop and make our country proud.”

Later this year, the India U23s will compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, with the draw scheduled for May 29, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“The matches in June are crucial for our journey towards the Asian Games and the AFC U23 Asian Cup. They provide us an opportunity to evaluate player reactions under pressure, refine our strategies, and strengthen team cohesion. Our aim is to be fully prepared for these significant tournaments by testing ourselves against formidable opponents,” Moosa further elaborated.

While excelling in Japan remains the long-term objective, Moosa’s team will first encounter Tajikistan on June 18 and Kyrgyz Republic on June 21 in two preparatory matches in Dushanbe.

To prepare for the Asian Games next year, the federation intends to use the FIFA International Windows in September, October, November, and March to host short training camps of about 10-14 days for the India U23s, which will also feature matches against other U23 teams from Asia. Longer camps are also planned ahead of the June 2026 FIFA International Window, during which no club matches will occur.

Following their training in Kolkata for two weeks, the India U23s will head to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on June 16 for the two friendly matches, returning on June 22.

AIFF Deputy Secretary General Mr. Satyanarayan M stated, “In discussions with Manolo Márquez, we concluded that the federation needs to place a stronger emphasis on developing the U23 team. The top players are training diligently for 10 months a year, and we appreciate the clubs for their willingness to release them for national duties.”

“However, some players are not getting enough game time, which is why we seek to bridge that gap by arranging exposure matches against other competitive international teams in the same age group during international windows,” he added. “We also extend our gratitude to NorthEast United FC for their cooperation in allowing Naushad Moosa to serve during the international windows.