Savio Medeira Appointed as Bengaluru FC Head of Youth Development
In a significant move for Indian football, Bengaluru FC have appointed former India coach and technical director, Savio Medeira, as the head of youth development. The club is poised to make a formal announcement later this week, marking a strategic step in bolstering its youth-focused initiatives.
A Respected Figure with Extensive Experience
Savio Medeira, a highly respected figure in Indian football, brings over 35 years of comprehensive experience across all levels of the game. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Bengaluru FC, as the club has intensified its emphasis on youth development and has been actively contributing players to national teams. Notably, seven of the club's players were part of the India U-20 squad at the SAFF Championship in Maldives, while six earned spots in the senior national team for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong.
High Expectations and Strategic Vision
A senior official from Bengaluru FC expressed confidence in Medeira's capabilities, stating, "Medeira is a top profile and certain to make things work at Bengaluru. The expectations will be high as the club has always set high standards, and Medeira is known to thrive in such a set-up. Everyone is looking forward to this partnership." This highlights the club's commitment to maintaining excellence and leveraging Medeira's expertise to drive youth programs forward.
Medeira's Illustrious Career and Background
Savio Medeira, aged 58, was the last domestic coach for the senior national team before Khalid Jamil took over last year. His career includes various roles as chief coach and technical director for the All India Football Federation (AIFF), where he also served as head of coach education for several years. After departing from AIFF, Medeira took on a technical director position with Sporting Clube de Goa before parting ways last year. More recently, he worked as a technical expert with FIFA coaching development, conducting courses across the continent.
From Player to Coach: A Legacy in Football
Medeira enjoyed a distinguished 17-year playing career from 1983 to 2000, primarily as a midfielder for Salgaocar FC. During this time, he achieved notable successes, including winning two Rover Cups, the Federation Cup, and the 1997-98 National Football League (NFL) title. Following his retirement as a player, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching, starting with Salgaocar, which laid the foundation for his extensive contributions to Indian football development.
