New head coach of TDFA Joel Richard Williams with its president Menya Wongto after the signing of the contract before the press conference in Tuensang. (Morung photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | February 18
Joel Richard Williams, a Gibraltar national who has been based in Kerala for over a decade and is a familiar voice in Nagaland football commentary circles, has officially signed in as the new head coach of the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) for the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy, 2026.
The announcement was made at an introductory press conference organised by TDFA at its office in Tuensang on February 18. The tournament is scheduled to be held in August in Mokokchung.
Williams, who has previously worked with Minerva Punjab FC and Gokulam Kerala FC in Indian domestic football, brings experience as a football scout and coach in addition to his long association with the sport in the Northeast.
Addressing media personnel, Williams said he considered himself “lucky” rather than the association. “The new challenge will be accepted with both hands,” he said, while acknowledging that there is “loads of work” to be done in the months ahead.
He cautioned players to begin preparing on their own and sent out a clear message ahead of the tournament that the Tuensang team is coming for the win and “we won’t hold back.”
At the same time, he maintained that he had always had a soft spot for Tuensang and wanted to be part of what he described as a “new system aimed at uplifting young football talents in the district.”
According to him, the biggest reason for choosing Tuensang was the “good vibe and energy” he felt here, along with similar ideas and views about improving football in this part of the region.
Calling it a “match made in heaven,” he stressed the importance of working together.
“We need to do everything as one. We need to be aligned in everything and be a cohesive unit,” he said, adding that the biggest challenge would be to make people believe that “we are able to do this.”
Likewise, Williams urged the community and fans to extend their support. “It is an opportunity to express ourselves, to create something magical, something big and give back to the community,” he added.
Speaking on the prospects of young footballers in the district, he observed that Nagaland’s talent remains “raw and untapped,” and encouraged parents to see football as a possible career pathway for their children.
TDFA president Menya Wongto Chang said that while Nagaland has immense potential, there is a lack of a structured pathway for players. “Despite having talent, there are lots of people who don’t know what to do. They can only practise and play for district tournaments and nothing beyond that. We have to put in their minds that football is not limited,” he said, expressing confidence that Williams’ appointment could help initiate a pathway towards professional football.
When asked about the criteria for selection to the district team, Williams said that selection would be “purely on the basis of merit.”
