PANAJI: FC Goa on Friday announced the appointment of Gouramangi Singh as the Club's new Head Coach, promoting him after four years on the coaching staff and signalling continuity in its long-term football project.
Singh joined FC Goa as Assistant Coach in July 2022 and spent the last three seasons as a key member of former Head Coach Manolo Márquez's backroom staff, playing an important role in shaping the team's playing identity, technical planning and overall football philosophy.
The Club said the decision reflects the trust Singh has earned through increasing responsibilities over the past four years rather than a change in direction.
During Márquez's absence on national team duty, Singh led the first team on several occasions and guided FC Goa to the 2025 Bandodkar Memorial Trophy title in an interim role. The Club also credited him with mentoring several young players and helping establish the standards and culture that have defined the team in recent seasons.
FC Goa said Singh's promotion aligns with its long-standing philosophy of developing leaders from within and maintaining stability. Since the inception of the Indian Super League, the Club has appointed fewer Head Coaches than any other ISL side.
Joining Singh on the first-team coaching staff are Assistant Coach Shameel Chembakath, Strength and Conditioning Coach Chelston Pinto and Goalkeeping Coach Sugitesh Mandrekar.
Chembakath brings experience from the ISL and Reliance Foundation Young Champs, while Pinto joins after working with the Indian National Team and Kerala Blasters FC. Mandrekar has been promoted after more than a decade with FC Goa's youth and development teams, where he played a key role in nurturing goalkeepers.
FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur said the Club was looking for the right person to lead its next chapter rather than a high-profile appointment.
"Over the last four seasons, Gouramangi has earned the respect of everyone at this football club through his knowledge, professionalism, humility and leadership. His appointment recognises the impact he has already made and what we believe he can achieve as Head Coach," Puskur said.
Accepting the role, Singh said it was an honour to lead the Club.
"FC Goa has been home for me over the past few years, and I am grateful for the faith the Club has shown in me. We have a talented group of players, a committed staff and passionate supporters. Together, we will work tirelessly to make everyone associated with FC Goa proud," he said.
Singh's first assignment as Head Coach will be FC Goa's AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round clash against Arkadag FK in Turkmenistan on August 12. The match marks the Club's second successive continental campaign following its AIFF Super Cup triumph last season.
