Bajaj leads India U15 revamp as manager with Bibiano as coach: But will it work?
The All India Football Federation has taken a significant step in preparing for the FIFA U15 World Cup and festival by appointing Minerva Academy founder
The All India Football Federation has taken a significant step in preparing for the FIFA U15 World Cup and festival by appointing Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj as the manager of the team. Bibiano Fernandes has been handed the role as the head coach of the team. The decision was made during the AIFF executive committee meeting on Thursday, August 6 in New Delhi, alongside many other calls regarding India's friendly with Brazil and the Indian Super League. Read Full Story "On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach of the India U15 men's national team, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager. As per the regulations of the tournament, 20 members — six staff and 14 players — can be part of the team's contingent," read the statement from AIFF. The decision, which follows weeks of discussion across Indian football circles, has reignited the debate over the direction of India’s youth football programme.
While Bajaj’s supporters believe his experience in grassroots football makes him an ideal addition to the national setup, others have questioned whether introducing another influential figure into an established coaching structure could complicate matters. The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will be held from October 22 to 31 in Azerbaijan. Unlike senior FIFA competitions, the tournament is designed primarily as a developmental event, offering young footballers valuable international exposure rather than placing the focus entirely on results. WHY BAJAJ'S APPOINTMENT WAS WELCOMED Few administrators have been as vocal about grassroots football in India as Bajaj. Through Minerva Punjab, he has built one of the country’s most successful youth academies, producing several India internationals while consistently competing at the highest level in age-group football. Supporters believe his appointment is backed by a proven record that includes Multiple AIFF Youth League titles with Minerva Punjab. International success, including Gothia Cup triumphs. Producing several players who have gone on to represent India at youth and senior levels. Consistent advocacy for structural reforms in Indian football. Publicly proposing cost-effective solutions to improve grassroots development. Many also point to India’s recent struggles at youth level, including the U-15 team’s disappointing campaign in Tajikistan, where it finished bottom of its group, as evidence that Indian football needs fresh ideas and stronger grassroots leadership.
The BriefWire