The Nagaland Football Association (NFA), more District Football Associations (DFAs) and other organisations condoled the untimely demise of Nagaland football coach, N. William Koso, who passed away following a tragic accident in Chümoukedima in the wee hours on March 25.
Late William Koso was the first and only AFC A-Licensed Coach in Nagaland and a professionally trained educator, who is the technical head of the ongoing Nagaland Super League.
NFA: Nagaland Football Association (NFA) expressed shock and pain by the untimely demise of their prominent member and friend William Koso.
In a condolence note, NFA president K Neibou Sekhose described late N. William Koso as a very pro-active and dedicated professional whose commitment, knowledge and experience for the development of football in particular and sports in general stands out as a ‘bright shining light’ in Nagaland sports and beyond.
NFA said late Koso was not only a well-decorated footballer and coach but he has impacted the lives and careers of hundreds and thousands of footballers, coaches and others involved in the game alike in Nagaland and beyond through his strong leadership and influence backed by his vast technical knowledge and rich experience.
They said that he served the NFA sincerely till his last breath and made numerous significant contributions for the development of football in particular and sports in general in various capacities over the years and was the ‘go-to-man’ of the association at all times.
Lt. William Koso’s influence and dedication on and off the field has led to many great achievements for the Association and for Nagaland football and deserves all due credit for the rapid development of football and particularly professionalism in football in the state and beyond, NFA said in a statement.
While mourning the irreplaceable loss of their dear and significant member along with his family, NFA and the football community prayed to the Almighty God to grant strength, comfort and solace to his beloved wife, his children and his bereaved family members in this hour of grief and deep sorrow and further prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
SDFA: Shamator District Football Association (SDFA) has expressed shock to learn the sudden demise of N. William Koso, a prominent Nagaland football coach and educator in tragic accident.
In a condolence note, SDFA president, L. Shahoto Yimchunger described late Koso as not only a trailblazing football coach and coach educator but was also great leader in the field of football fraternity.
“He was one of the first amongst the young Nagas who was very passionate and keen to change the face of football future in our state. His sudden demise has created a huge vacuum not only for Kohima people but our state as a whole”, stated SDFA.
With rest of the football fraternity across the state and with the family, the SDFA expressed deepest condolences to his family, near and dear ones as his noble deeds shall be cherished forever in the hearts of all the football community. They prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
YSA: Yimkhiung Sports Association (YSA) was shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of N William Koso, a trailblazing football coach and coach educator.
In a condolence message, YSA president, L. Shahoto and general secretary Khalenmew Yim described late N William Koso as more than a coach and educator, but was a leader of the sports community, a mentor to the aspirants and a role model for many who knew him on and off the field.
“Today, there are many football coaches, officials and players who stand as testament to his dedication, passion and professionalism. Our departed leader will be long remembered for his immense contributions for the development of sports in our State Nagaland, the latest being the ongoing NSL (Nagaland Super League) where he is serving as the Convenor for Technical Committee”, said YSA.
The Yimkhiung sports fraternity in general and the football lovers in particular are at short of words for the shocking and irreparable loss in the person of their beloved coach, leader and mentor.
At this hour of grief and sorrow, the Yimkhiung Sports Association prayed for divine comfort to the bereaved family members and also prayed that the departed soul of their beloved leader rest in eternal peace.
FLCoKD: Football Licensed Coaches of Kohima District (FLCoKD) was deeply heartbroken by the tragic passing of N William Koso, a pioneering figure in Nagaland football, a mentor to many, and a comrade whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
In a condolence note, FLCoKD president Vizovor Liezietsu described late Koso as more than a coach but was a visionary who dedicated his life to the growth of football in Nagaland. FLCoKD said as the first AFC A License holder from the state, he set new standards of excellence, inspiring countless players and coaches.
His instrumental role in establishing the NSL and nurturing coaching talent through his training programmes shaped the football landscape of the state. FLCoKD stated he was not just a guiding force but a steadfast colleague who shared their passion for developing the sport. His commitment to professionalism, grassroots development, and coach education will remain a lasting legacy.
FLCoKD extended deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity stating that his contributions will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to inspire them in the beautiful game he loved so dearly.
FAPD: Football Association Phek District (FAPD) has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of William Koso, a respected coach and football leader from Nagaland. In a condolence note, FAPD president, Colo Mero stated that late Koso’s contributions to football development, particularly in coach development and grassroots development and professional coaching, have left a lasting impact on the sport in the state.
FAPD extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the football community, adding that his legacy will be remembered with respect and gratitude. They further prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
FATD: Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of coach William Koso, who was an exceptional mentor, a passionate advocate for football, and a pillar of strength for the community.
In a condolence note, FATD president Benlo Thyu described late Koso as a renowned coach and mentor, who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous coaches in Nagaland. His guidance, expertise, and selflessness inspired a generation of coaches, who benefited from his wisdom and experience.
“Coach William’s outstanding contribution to Nagaland football was marked by his remarkable achievement as the first coach from the state to obtain the prestigious AFC A Licence. This testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport has left an indelible mark on the football landscape in Nagaland”, said FATD.
FATD has extended deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of their dear coach William and prayed that his family finds solace and strength during this difficult time. They further prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
MDFA: Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) was deeply saddened by the untimely demise of William Koso, a pioneering football coach from Nagaland.
In a condolence message, MDFA president N. Akok Longkumer and general secretary, Supongasang stated that late William made history as the first coach from Nagaland to earn the prestigious AFC ‘A’ License, and his dedication to the sport was unparalleled.
They said he was not only a mentor but also a guiding force who tirelessly encouraged and nurtured aspiring coaches, leaving an indelible mark on the footballing landscape of the state. His contributions to the growth and development of football in Nagaland will always be remembered and cherished.
During this time of grief, MDFA extended its deepest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and the entire football fraternity and prayed that God grants them strength and solace in this difficult hour and further prayed for his soul to rest in eternal peace.
MDFA: The Mon District Football Association (MDFA) was deeply saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Wiliam Koso.
In a condolence note, MDFA stated that late William Koso was not only a coach but was the first coach among the coaches in our state to achieve AFC ‘A’ license and was also serving as the technical director of Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA), general secretary of Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) and also the convenor of the Technical Committee for the ongoing Nagaland Super League (NSL).
With his demise, MDFA said they have not only lost an individual but someone who was a backbone to the football fraternity of Nagaland. They said it will be very difficult and uphill task to fill the vacuum left behind by his untimely demise.
At this very hour of grief and sorrow, the MDFA extended deepest condolence to the bereaved family, friends and loved ones. They wished that his legacy of good works continue to inspire the future generations and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
NFCA: Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) has described late William Koso as a dedicated coach and instructor who always gave his best, in and off the field. In a condolence note, NFCA president, Roko Angami said late Koso was also a seasoned goalkeeper who was part of the first batch of Naga Boys Club from where their relationship as a coach and player started and went on to winning many coveted trophies like NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, Classic Cup, Peace Soccer, etc.
Late Koso endeavored on to achieving many milestones in his football career one which stands out was his achievement of the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC), License as a coach, informed NFCA.
They said late Wiliam has been serving the NFCA in the capacity of technical director till date and his contribution to the association was exceptional for which he will be always acknowledged and remembered, stating that the vacuum he has left will be hard to fill.
NFCA said he was a trusted brother and friend who always stood by them in good and bad times and added they will always cherish the lives he has touched and the legacy he has left behind.
NFCA has offered their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and extended their sincere and heartfelt sympathies and also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
SNUNS: While condoling the demise of William Koso, South Naga Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) said the passing away of William Koso in a tragic accident caused by reckless drivers has caused irreparable loss to the family and the Naga community.
SNUNS president Kashungnao Worshim said late Koso’s distinguished achievements and personality, contribution and service to the people in the field of sports will be greatly missed forever.
SNUNS with deep loss and concern for the future, requested the concerned authorities that the driver be arrested immediately and necessary action taken. They called upon all the right-thinking citizens to condemn such recklessness to safeguard innocent lives.
They conveyed deepest condolences and prayed for the family and loved ones and further prayed for his soul rest in eternal peace.