Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, Benei M Lamthiu MLA, NSL, Abu Metha, DDFA and PDFA, have 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.
CM Neiphiu Rio: Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, in a condolence message stated that late Koso’s passing was an immense loss to the sporting fraternity, particularly the football community, adding that William’s invaluable contributions to football in Nagaland have left an indelible mark.
Rio said, through his mentorship, he nurtured and moulded the careers of hundreds of players and coaches—not just in Nagaland but across the region. His tireless efforts and selfless sacrifices will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.
Rio also stated “William’s achievements extended well beyond the NSL, who was a distinguished Coach Educator for both the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and also served as the technical advisor to the Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA). His deep commitment to the growth of football in the state, and his dedication to guiding young talent, was truly commendable.
His influence reached far beyond the pitch, as he worked relentlessly to elevate the standard of football in Nagaland to new heights. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts”, said Rio in a statement.
During this time of profound grief, the chief minister prayed for his family, friends, and loved ones. Rio said his family joins him in conveying their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them strength and solace in this difficult time. Rio also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Benei M Lamthiu, MLA: Chairman DPDB, Noklak Benei M Lamthiu, MLA was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of William Koso. In a condolence note, Lamthiu stated that as a colleague and friend, he had the privilege of working alongside late Koso witnessing his dedication, passion, and expertise in the field of football.
The MLA described Lt. William Koso as an exceptional coach, mentor, and leader who inspired countless individuals, both on and off the pitch. Lamthiu said that his tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impact on their organization and the broader football community.
The MLA said that he will personally miss Lt. William Koso’s warm smile, his infectious enthusiasm, and his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with others. “The whistle may have blown for the final time, but the impact you had on the game and on our lives will be felt for generations to come”, added Lamthiu.
The MLA has conveyed his sincerest condolences during this difficult time, adding that the memories of Lt. William Koso’s remarkable life, achievements, and contributions to the world of football bring comfort and strength. He further prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.
NSL: Nagaland Super League (NSL) has expressed shock by the sudden demise of their colleague William Koso, stating that his ultimate departure was an immense loss to the football community and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
In a condolence message, NSL said as the NSL technical head, late Koso played a pivotal role in shaping the league with his expertise, dedication and passion for football. His invaluable contributions to the sport in Nagaland have left an indelible mark and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him, said NSL.
They said late Koso’s achievements extended beyond the NSL, who was a distinguished coach educator for both AIFF and AFC. “His commitment to the growth of football in Nagaland and his efforts in mentoring and guiding young talents have been truly commendable.
His influence extended far beyond the pitch, as he tirelessly worked to elevate football in Nagaland to greater heights. During this difficult time, they prayed for his family, friends, and loved ones and wished that they find strength and solace.
NSL extended deepest gratitude for his immense dedication and service, adding that his impact on the game and the lives he touched will forever remain. NSL also prayed for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Abu Metha: Advisor to the chief minister, Abu Metha expressed shock pain to learn the sudden and untimely demise of his friend and colleague, N. William Koso. In a condolence note, Metha recalled that it was only last evening that they were engaged in deep conversation at the ongoing NSL. He said late William was more than a colleague—he was family.
Metha described late Koso as a gem of a person—kind, humble and passionate about his work, who was a key figure in the sporting fraternity of Nagaland and a pillar in India’s football ecosystem. Metha said “his journey began at the grassroots and through sheer dedication and perseverance, he rose to coach some of the top clubs in the region.
He was a crucial cog in the footballing wheel—an integral part of both the State and AIFF’s vision for the game”, stated Metha.
He said that late Koso had only recently returned from Mumbai after successfully completing an educators’ program, adding that the depth of experience and professional knowledge he had accumulated made him an invaluable asset to Nagaland and Indian football.
“Over the years, late William mentored and nurtured hundreds of players and coaches, many of whom owe their careers to the solid foundations he helped lay. His loss is one that will be felt for years to come. His contributions and sacrifices will not only be remembered in words but will live on through the generations of players and coaches whose lives he touched”.
Metha thanked late William for all that he did, adding his dedication and commitment were unmatched. On his untimely passing, Metha extended his deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal peace.
DDFA: Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) was deeply saddened by the passing of William Koso, whose immense contribution to the football community, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport have left a lasting legacy that will always be remembered.
In a condolence message, president DDFA, Mughato Aye and general secretary Lanutoshi S Yaden described late William as not just a footballer but a mentor, a leader, and a guiding force for many aspiring players.
DDFA revealed that late Koso also served as the technical director of Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA), general secretary of Kohima District Football Association (KDFA). “His presence on and off the field inspired countless individuals, and his efforts in shaping the football culture in Nagaland will never be forgotten”, said DDFA.
In this time of grief, DDFA extended their deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones. They prayed that they find comfort in the memories he left behind, and also prayed for the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
PDFA: Peren District Football Association (PDFA) with deep sadness, has extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of William Koso, a dedicated football coach and educator. In a condolence message, PDFA president, Raithu Newmai and general secretary Kengim Hegui described late Koso as more than a coach; he was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to countless players and colleagues.
PDFA stated that late Koso’s immense contributions to the development of football sports in Nagaland and his unwavering passion for the game have left an indelible mark on their football community. During this difficult time, PDFA prayed for his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched and also prayed that his legacy continue to inspire future generations, and departed soul rest in peace.