MARGAO
Having led Odisha FC to their first major trophy, head coach Clifford Miranda has earned praise from the football fraternity for ending the ISL club's nine-year title drought.
"Congratulations on the big achievement. Keep up the good work," said Anil Kamat, assistant secretary of All India Football Federation. "I think Clifford Miranda has proved that Indian coaches are now on par with the coaches in the Indian Super League. He has done an outstanding job with Odisha FC."
Former India defender and renowned coach, Derrick Pereira said, "It’s his belief, hard work and sacrifice that got him this achievement. It's a proud moment for us Goans. People need to believe in Indian coaches and give them opportunities to prove themselves."
Former India captain Baichung Bhutia said, "Clifford has done an outstanding job with Odisha FC. (He is) One of the best coaches in India today."
"Since sir Savio has taken over the coach education, things have changed in Indian football, and we can see the fruit now and will see it in future as well. As far as I know Clifford as a player and coach is very well-organised and hard-working. This cup won by an Indian coach against a foreign coach has raised some eyebrows but to prove that we Indian coaches are good enough, we have to be consistent," said Bibiano Fernandes, India under-16 coach.
