Spotlight

Behind the Whistle: Insights from Mr. Dorji Khandu, Technical Director and Women’s Team Coach Can you detail your journey in football, from your earliest involvement to becoming the Technical Director of Transport United FC? What were the pivotal moments? Response: My journey in football began at a young age, where I started playing in the national squad for both the youth U-19 and senior teams from 2000 onwards. Spending seven years representing my country, I transitioned into coaching after my playing career. In 2007, I joined the Thimphu district coaching team and later assumed roles such as head coach for the U-19 boys. Eventually, I served as the Assistant National Coach alongside foreign coaches. In 2015, I was appointed as the head coach for the senior women’s national team and also headed the women’s academy in Gelephu. Progressing through various roles, I became the Officiating Technical Director in BFF in 2018 and fully managed the Elite Youth program from 2019 to 2020. Following this, I served as the Technical Director in BFF until the end of 2022 when I joined Druk Lhayul FC. After a year there, I moved to Transport FC as Technical Director. Every technical director has a philosophy that guides their decisions and strategies. Could you share yours and how it influences the development programs at Transport United FC? Response: In football, having a philosophy is crucial as it sets the right track for team development and youth progression. Drawing from diverse training and learning experiences, I’ve crafted programs tailored to youth and grassroots development. This philosophy guides our approach at Transport United FC. How have you seen football change over the years, and what adaptations have you made in your approach to keep up with these evolutions? Response: Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like Mr. Jigme N Norbu, Mr. Vincent Subramaniam, and Mr. Ugyen Wangchhuk, whose guidance has been invaluable. Their insights have helped me integrate new strategies and adapt to the evolving landscape of football. Throughout your extensive career, who have been your mentors, and what are the most valuable lessons they’ve imparted that you carry into your current role? Response: Achievements such as receiving recognition from AFC in 2019 have been pivotal moments in my career. These successes highlight the importance of commitment, teamwork, and the systematic approach to training. What do you consider the most significant challenge facing youth football development today, and how is Transport United FC addressing it? Response: The need for robust grassroots programs and creative, knowledgeable youth coaches is crucial for youth football development. At Transport United FC, we aim to address this challenge by developing our unique training curriculum tailored to the needs of our youth players. Looking back at your career, can you share a moment or achievement that stands out as particularly rewarding or transformative? Response: The commitment and support from everyone involved in my journey have been incredibly rewarding. Establishing systematic training methods has been transformative, ensuring continuous improvement in performance.   With your wealth of experience, where do you see the potential for growth in Bhutanese football, and how is Transport United FC positioning itself to be at the forefront of this progress? Response: There’s immense potential for growth in Bhutanese football, and Transport United FC aims to be a championship team during my tenure. We’re positioning ourselves to lead the way in driving this progress. What key attributes do you look for in young players, and how does the academy nurture these talents to prepare them for professional football? Response: Attributes such as dedication, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset are crucial in young players. Our academy focuses on instilling these qualities and providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Besides serving as the Technical Director, you also coach the women’s club team. What advice do you have for aspiring female players? Response: I advise aspiring female players to work hard and seize opportunities. Gender equality is essential, and at Transport United FC, we ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all players.

From Player to Coach: Neelam Ghalley’s Inspiring Story Neelam, your transition from a player to becoming the Goalkeeper Head Coach at Transport United FC is inspiring. Can you share what ignited your passion for coaching, especially focusing on goalkeeping? From my days as a player, I harbored a strong inclination towards being a goalkeeper, despite lacking formal training in the role. My journey was riddled with hurdles, but the turning point came when I had the chance to undertake a Goalkeeping Level One course. This opportunity marked the beginning of my transition into coaching, starting with grassroots and youth goalkeepers. Presently, as the coach for the senior women’s team’s goalkeepers, witnessing their growth and progress fuels my dedication to goalkeeping coaching. This path has instilled in me a resilience and a commitment to excellence, driving me to give my all and persevere through any challenges that come my way. Having completed your AFC B Diploma, how do you feel this has shaped your coaching philosophy, particularly in goalkeeping? The AFC B Diploma has enriched my grasp of coaching methodologies, player progression, and the intricacies of team interplay, offering a well-rounded perspective that has refined my approach to coaching goalkeepers in harmony with team dynamics. Further enhancing my skill set, the Goalkeeping Level 1 course sharpened my proficiency in key areas like positioning, shot-stopping, distribution, and effective communication. Together, these educational experiences have profoundly influenced my coaching philosophy, underlining the significance of fully integrating goalkeepers into the team’s framework, while simultaneously concentrating on their distinct skills and developmental requirements. The Art of Goalkeeping: Goalkeeping is often said to be one of the most psychologically demanding positions on the pitch. From your experience, how do you prepare your goalkeepers mentally for the game? In preparing my goalkeepers for the game, I prioritize boosting their confidence and fostering a positive outlook. I stress the importance of maintaining focus and composure under pressure. I consistently remind them of the crucial role communication plays on the field, urging them to guide and motivate their teammates as they have a unique vantage point of the entire field. This encouragement and effective communication are key to developing a goalkeeper’s resilience and leadership on the pitch. You’ve been with Transport United FC for the last six months. Can you share some highlights or milestones you’ve achieved in this short time? In just six months, I’ve reached significant milestones, including enhancing players’ skills, addressing their weaknesses, and forging strong connections with both players and staff. This journey has also bolstered my own confidence; while I cherish teaching and sharing my knowledge, I equally value the lessons I learn from my players. This reciprocal learning experience is, without doubt, one of my most cherished achievements to date. With the completion of World Coaches Level 1, how do you integrate global coaching techniques into your training sessions? Completing the World Coaches Level 1 opened my eyes to an array of coaching philosophies, techniques, and insights from across the globe, particularly emphasizing the integration of life skills into coaching. I delve into various coaching strategies employed by esteemed coaches worldwide, seeking out cutting-edge drills, training methodologies, and tactical plans that can enrich my own coaching repertoire. This global approach to coaching enriches my sessions with creativity, diversity, and a wide-ranging perspective, significantly enhancing my players’ growth and development. Could you walk us through a typical training day with your goalkeepers? What unique drills or exercises do you prioritize? A typical training session with the goalkeepers begins with a dynamic warm-up, emphasizing agility, footwork, and hand-eye coordination to get them ready for the session ahead. We then progress to goalkeeper-specific drills, focusing on diving saves, managing crosses, and honing their distribution skills. A key component of our training involves reaction drills and creating simulated game situations that mirror real-match conditions, prioritizing exercises that enhance their decision-making under pressure and their ability to communicate effectively with the defense. I also dedicate time to addressing individual weaknesses. The session wraps up with cool-down exercises, during which I invite feedback and suggestions from the goalkeepers. Transitioning to a new team like Transport United FC comes with its unique set of challenges. To navigate these effectively and integrate into the club’s culture, I’ve employed several strategies, including: Building meaningful relationships with players and staff to foster a sense of trust and camaraderie. Encouraging open communication and collaboration, which are vital for understanding and adapting to the team’s dynamics. Making an effort to learn about and respect the team’s culture and traditions, showing my commitment to becoming a part of it. Highlighting and leveraging the individual strengths of team members to contribute to the team’s success. Committing to continual learning and self-improvement, demonstrating a willingness to grow alongside the team. Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the goalkeeping squad at Transport United FC? Are there any specific goals you aim to achieve in the next year? For the upcoming year, I’ve set several targeted goals to accomplish: Enhancing player skills and technical abilities. Improving team communication and coordination on and off the field. Building mental toughness and resilience among players. Strengthening team cohesion and camaraderie. Achieving notable success in upcoming competitions. Having reached a significant milestone in your coaching career, who do you consider your role model or mentor in football coaching, and why? Numerous remarkable individuals serve as sources of inspiration for me, but one coach whom I greatly admire is Pep Guardiola. His innovative tactics, meticulous attention to detail, and knack for player development have left an indelible mark on the sport. Guardiola’s commitment to possession-based football and his adeptness at tailoring strategies to varying teams and circumstances are truly commendable. I aim to embody his dedication to perpetual growth and his unwavering passion for the game in my own coaching endeavors. Lastly, for those looking to follow in your footsteps, especially women aspiring to break into football coaching, what advice would you give them based on your journey and experiences? To aspiring female

Leading the Charge: A Conversation with Kinley Wangmo What inspired you to lead the Transport United FC Women’s Team, and what has your journey been like in the world of women’s football management? My path to leading the Transport United FC Women’s Team was fueled by a deep-rooted passion for elevating women’s sports. The club’s dedication to advancing women’s football within our community sparked my interest in the managerial role, offering me a chance to blend my connection to the sport with a leadership position. As a manager in the women’s football arena, what challenges have you encountered, and what strategies have you employed to create a positive and thriving team culture? Confronting gender stereotypes and biases remains a significant hurdle in women’s football. Our team, often viewed through a lens of misconceptions regarding its competitive edge and appeal, faces resource limitations that affect player development and travel. My focus has been on fostering teamwork and a supportive environment to navigate these challenges. Can you share some transformative experiences or achievements that have shaped you and the team’s journey under your management? The previous season was a mix of highs and lows, with moments of both disappointment and victory profoundly affecting us. These experiences brought us closer, solidifying our bond and team spirit. What are your primary objectives for the Transport United FC Women’s Team this season, and how do you plan to reach these goals? Our aim is to dominate the league, both in standing and performance. Through regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and close collaboration with our coaching staff, we intend to reach our objectives. How do you motivate and inspire your players to excel, both on the pitch and in life? I celebrate our triumphs, big and small, emphasizing teamwork, unity, and a positive, supportive attitude to instill confidence and motivation, guiding our players towards individual and collective success. In your view, what makes Transport United FC stand out in the realm of women’s football? Our club’s unique approach to nurturing women not just as athletes but in all life aspects sets us apart. We are committed to empowering women through football, aiming for their success both on and off the field. What legacy do you aim to establish with the Transport United FC Women’s Team, and how do you see the future of this team? I dream of leaving a legacy marked by empowerment and excellence, envisioning our team as a source of inspiration for young women everywhere. Through fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, I hope to make a lasting impact on the future of women’s football.