MARGAO
Goa’s rich footballing legacy received national recognition as three Goan football professionals were appointed to significant roles under the AIFF–FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), reinforcing the state’s contribution to shaping the future of Indian football.
Prakash Khatri of Ponda, a long-time face of Compassion FC, has been appointed Assistant Coach – Boys Team under the programme, effective 8 December 2025. A respected youth and women’s football coach, Khatri brings over five years of experience with elite youth, women’s, and men’s teams, including Churchill Brothers FC (IWL Ahmedabad), Neroca FC (I-League 2nd Division), Kickstart FC (Men’s Elite U-19), and Goa Sub-Junior teams. Currently pursuing his AFC ‘A’ Licence, Khatri is widely regarded for his tactical intelligence and character-driven coaching philosophy.
Joining him is Michel Margaret (Mitchel) Castanha, one of Goa’s most accomplished footballers, appointed Girls’ Team Coach. An India women’s international defender, Castanha has played for top domestic clubs, including East Bengal Blasters and Sribhumi FC in the Indian Women’s League. Having represented Goa at multiple age levels, she recently completed her AFC ‘B’ Licence, marking her transition from elite player to professional coach. Her role in the FIFA TDS is expected to inspire and develop young female footballers in the state.
Adding to Goa’s pride is Daison (Diason) Colaco, who has joined the Boys’ Under-14 Talent Academy structure. At just 13, Daison is already regarded as one of Goa’s most promising young footballers. He has been selected for the AIFF–FIFA Telangana Talent Academy in Hyderabad, becoming the only player from Goa chosen for this elite national programme. Daison was also a key member of the Goa State Team at the Sub-Junior Boys’ National Football Championship 2025–26 and has impressed coaches with his creativity, vision, and work ethic for Salgaocar FC and Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim.
These appointments underline Goa’s continuing influence on Indian football, highlighting the state not only as a producer of talented players but also as a hub for coaching excellence and youth development. The Goan football community has welcomed the selections with pride, seeing them as a source of inspiration for the next generation of players and coaches.
