Former professional footballer Terry Phelan believes that Indian football, often referred to as a “sleeping giant,” will require significant time, effort, and resources to awaken. He highlighted the necessity for long-term investment and improvement in coaching and player development to elevate the sport in India.
According to Phelan, the aspiration to see the Indian national team participate in the World Cup is a commendable goal but requires substantial investments and resources. He emphasized the need for a sustained and aggressive approach from both private entities and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to enhance coaching standards, which in turn will elevate the players’ skill levels.
Phelan also stressed the importance of viewing this endeavor as a long-term project that involves collaboration with major and grassroots clubs. He expressed that the evolution of Indian football requires a significant shift in approach and strategy, potentially leading to the awakening of the “sleeping giant.” However, he cautioned that achieving this transformation is not without challenges, especially in maintaining public interest when the national team’s performance is not consistently victorious.
Detailing his involvement with South United FC since 2019, Phelan shared the club’s initiatives to invest in grassroots football and identify young talents. He expressed pride in their self-sufficiency and highlighted their vision to expand the club’s footprint to cities such as Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, thereby contributing to the broader AIFF ecosystem.
In conclusion, Phelan’s insights shed light on the complexities and long-term commitment required to elevate Indian football to a higher international standing. His perspective emphasizes the need for strategic investments, improved coaching, and sustained efforts across various levels of the sport to gradually awaken the “sleeping giant” that is Indian football.
