The Nagaland football fraternity is in deep mourning following the death of William Koso, the first AFC-A license coach of Nagaland. He died in a car accident on Tuesday morning. He was only 38.

Koso worked as the Technical Director of I-League-winning Aizawl FC. He also played a crucial role in the youth development programs as well as the revival of state football, helping the state association to introduce the Nagaland Super League. 

Hailed as Nagaland’s highest-ranked coach and one of the most qualified football educators, Koso was regarded as the backbone of the state’s football development system. His mentorship shaped the careers of many current and upcoming footballers and coaches, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief, calling Koso’s demise “shocking and unbearably painful.”

‘Only a few hours ago, we were in deep conversation. You were a member of the family, the sports fraternity. We had so many plans to take our footballers to the very top,’ Metha wrote.

Following Koso’s death, the Nagaland Super League (NSL) Governing Body has decided to postpone Playoff Match, scheduled to be held between Barak FC and Nagaland United. The match, originally scheduled for 25th March will now take place on March 26 at the same venue and time.