FROM IRAN WITH LOVE: AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMSHED NASSIRI

The Tata Tea Arsenal Soccer Stars coaching camp in Kolkata gave me the opportunity to talk to one of the most affable men of Indian football. Jamshed Nassiri arrived in India in the early 80’s to complete his graduation. It wasn’t long after which he donned the jerseys of some of the greatest clubs of Indian football. His love for India is apparent from the intensive work put in by him to develop grass roots football in the country. Having coached and managed at club level as well state level, ‘Jam’ as people lovingly call him is a true legend in the Indian Football circuit.

Debanjan: Hello sir, could you tell us something about yourself?

Jamshed Nassiri: I am an ex-Iranian football player. I have represented Iran at the first youth World Cup played in Tunisia in 1977 and also the Iranian Senior team in 1978. At present I am attached with Highlife Event Management as a football advisor. I have also worked with IFA as a football coach for schools.

Debanjan: What led you to take up coaching after retirement and stay back in India and help Indian football?

Jamshed Nassiri: This is my 30^th year in India. I had initially come to complete my graduation. I also had the opportunity to play football along with my studies. I got married here and after completing my playing career I wanted to do something for Indian Football which has given me a lot. Mohammedan Sporting is where is started my coaching career in 1989. I have coached various clubs and also the Maharashtra state team which won the Santosh Trophy in the 90’s. Now I am associated with school and college level children.

Debanjan: Do have any academies of your own?

Jamshed Nassiri: No. However, I have plans to set up one soon.

Debanjan: How do you think Tata Tea’s involvement will help Indian football?

Jamshed Nassiri: By organizing an event of such magnitude, Indian Football will definitely benefit. There is a lot of hidden talent in schools which is not sorted out. By conducting such tournaments in different parts of the country where football is more popular I think we will be able gather a certain number of players who may later on don the Indian colours. For example, we have been conducting this tournament for the last three years. Each year we have at least 35 teams participating from each selected venue. The best players from around the country are gathered for a training camp for 10 days conducted by the Arsenal coaches. From them sixteen are chosen to train at Arsenal academy and also play in an international tournament with teams from around the world of their own age group. Once back, the boys will automatically gain a lot of experience. Highlife Management can then contribute towards their development, by putting them through academies like TFA and Mohun Bagan-Sail academy and also I-league division one and two clubs at the U-19 level. I think it’s a great initiative by Tata Tea and Highlife Management to provide a platform for all youngsters who are talented and yet to be spotted. Many of them are playing In India U-14, U-16, as well as a few in the junior teams of various clubs today.

Debanjan: What have you observed over the period during which the kids have trained under you? Where do you think Indian Football is heading with the current situation in hand?

Jamshed Nassiri: Whatever you call it, the situation in hand or the future, unless and until you build football academies in different parts of the country, football in India will never benefit. Like now we have fourteen teams playing in the I-league, if we have fourteen football academies across India contributing to youth development for various age groups right from 10 to 18, only then India stands to gain. We have to concentrate on doing so for the next 10-15 years like it has been done in most developed football countries. Here in India, it’s all unorganized. Lack of infrastructure exists despite of a number of privileges offered by FIFA to the AIFF. Hence, a standard comparable to the top in Asia let alone the World Cup dream is hard to achieve. We can see the talent is there, but how about nurturing it?

Debanjan: Of the thirty three children training under you do you think any of them have the potential to make it big someday?

Jamshed Nassiri: Every year from the contingent we select, there are a few which can easily fill into the shoes of some players in the I-league. Of course there are some who are promising enough to make the cut abroad. But again it goes to the management of these types of players. Who will manage them? Who will look after them? How to channelize their development? It is important to analyze their development, give them proper nutrition and side by side look after their education. These guys will then not only don club jerseys home and abroad, but also national colours too.

Debanjan: The AIFF will be fielding a U-19 national team in the I-league next year. Do you think this will benefit Indian football?

Jamshed Nassiri: Definitely. When one or two players from such a league will be added to the senior team, that itself will benefit Indian football. A lot of talent will be unearthed. Maybe it will be a drop in finances for the AIFF, but something coming up is better than nothing.

Debanjan: Do you think professionalism is lacking right from the grass roots to the administration of the Indian footballing pyramid?

Jamshed Nassiri: Yes. Good marketing methods and good management is required. In addition to it all as you said, professionalism should be present in any approach.

Debanjan: Do you have plans to join the national set up anytime soon?

Jamshed Nassiri: Not anytime soon at the club level. However, if anything associated with academies and development of youth football in India comes up, then yes, definitely. I would be more than happy to play a part.

Thank you very much for your time.