Odisha FC have confirmed the appointment of experienced Indian coach Santosh Kashyap as the first team assistant coach.
Kashyap, a former India international, will join present head coach Clifford Miranda’s backroom staff as the club decided to part ways with Josep Gombau after the recently concluded Indian Super League. The announcement was made on the club’s official social media handles late on Monday.
The AFC Pro License holding coach has a wealth of experience in Indian football as he has coached several I-League and ISL clubs, including Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC and Aizawl FC among others. His tactical prowess and ability to get the best out of his wards are well-known in Indian footballing community.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club has said, “Kashyap has expressed his excitement about joining the club. He looks forward to working with the players and the coaching staff and contributing to the club’s success in the upcoming Hero Super Cup. Santosh also praised the club’s infrastructure and management, stating that they are committed to building a strong team that can compete at the highest level.”
In view of the upcoming Super Cup, Kashyap’s appointment as an assistant coach for the Kalinga Warriors could be a positive move for the club. Finishing sixth in 2022-23 ISL, it has been a season to remember for the Bhubaneswar-based side as they made their first ISL playoffs following struggles over the past few years.
Grouped with Hyderabad FC, East Bengal and the winner of Qualifier 3 between the I-League clubs, Odisha will have a tough task in hands in Super Cup as only one team from each group will qualify for the semifinals. The Juggernauts’ fans will be hoping that the team can achieve success in the league-cum-knockout tournament under Miranda and Kashyap’s tutelage.
