Field Vision

In football, glory is often measured in goals, trophies, and thunderous applause. But for some, the journey is quietly etched in the perseverance of silence and in the act of rebuilding one’s dream from its very ruins.

Shameel Chembakath was once a rising defender called to the India national camp, only to see a cruel hamstring injury force his retirement at the age of twenty-three (23). Where many would have seen a dead end, he saw a different path that led him from school grounds in Kerala to youth academies, and then into the dugouts of professional Indian football. His is the story is about the steadfast will to serve the game, regardless of the seat he held.

Today, as a former interim head coach of Hyderabad FC, he stands at the cusp of a new chapter and in the quiet confidence of years spent listening, learning, and leading.

In December 2024, Hyderabad FC made a bold call by naming Shameel Chembakath as their interim head coach midway through a turbulent Indian Super League season. What seemed to be a short-term fix was, in fact, the natural culmination of a two-decade-long journey in Indian football that spun playing, mentoring, youth development, and tactical evolution.

From working with future stars like Sahal Abdul Samad and Mohammad Rakip during their time in the Kerala Blasters B team, to closely guiding players such as Aimen, Vibin, Azhar, and Yoihenba across three formative years in the U15 setup, Shameel Chembakath’s coaching journey has been marked by patience, perspective, and purpose. His quiet influence is visible in the discipline of training grounds, in the arc of maturing players, and in the consistency of long-term football thinking.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Field Vision’s Ravi Teja Mandapaka delved into the layered mind of a coach who took over mid-crisis but did not flinch. There’s an open talk on tactics and temperament, man-management and memory, hope and heartbreak. More importantly, we ask what it takes to lead a team not just from the front, but from within.

“The first thing I had to bring was calm,” said Shameel Chembakath, mirroring on his appointment as the interim head coach of Hyderabad FC mid-season. A period often defined by uncertainty and pressure. “My priority was to instill confidence in the players, build trust within the group, and simplify our game plan into something clear and actionable. I made it a point to understand the players’ mindset, both collectively and individually, so I could communicate openly and honestly with them. That clarity helped us stay aligned and focused, even when results didn’t come easy. It was about creating a space where players felt supported, knew what was expected, and could begin rebuilding step by step.”

When Shameel Chembakath took over as Interim Head Coach of Hyderabad FC during a turbulent second phase of the Indian Super League season, he knew the challenge wasn’t just tactical but was deeply psychological.

“After I took over, the players responded well in training and started to understand what I was asking from them,” Shameel says, reflecting on the transition. “I gave everyone a clear role to help them see how they fit into the team. That made a big difference not just in their individual development, but in our performances too.”

The clarity and structure began to yield results. Hyderabad FC started to find their footing, even amidst a tough run and showed glimpses of resilience and cohesion that belied the upheaval the team had endured.  For a coach who once patrolled India’s backline as a defender from the SAIL Academy in Jharkhand to top-flight clubs like Mohammedan SC, there’s a quiet authority to how Shameel navigates the present. “Since I’ve been a player myself, I know what players feel during good and tough times,” he reflects. “That helps me guide them better and build strong relationships.”

That deep understanding of the game, both emotional and tactical, informs Shameel’s philosophy on the sidelines. For Shameel, coaching is not about shortcuts or spectacle. It’s about systems, sincerity, and shaping people as much as players. Having worked across age groups, from grassroots to first-team football, Shameel’s journey is a masterclass in patience and precision. In his words: “I always look for players who are hardworking, humble, and hungry to improve,” says Shameel. 

“Work rate and commitment in training are non-negotiable. A player is truly ready when that effort begins to reflect in their discipline, their focus, and the smart decisions they make on the pitch. But it’s not just about individual ability football is collective. When a young player bonds well with the team, shows maturity, and applies lessons consistently in matches, that’s when you know they’re ready to step up.”

Shameel, who worked briefly with the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and Mohammad Rakip in the Kerala Blasters B team, and spent three critical years shaping the progress of Aimen, Vibin, Azhar, and Yoihenba in the U15 setup, emphasizes a grounded approach. “I’ve never claimed to develop anyone,” he clarifies. “True development begins from the grassroots not just when a player enters a youth or B team. But yes, I’ve had the chance to give them opportunities and help shape their path forward.”

Asked if there’s one coaching principle that has remained constant across his career from youth sides to now leading an Indian Super League team his answer is immediate: “Discipline and respect. No matter the age or level, I believe in building a positive and structured environment where players know what’s expected of them, both on and off the field.”

That clarity of thought has only been reinforced by his recent milestone of earning the AFC Pro License in 2024, Asia’s highest coaching credential, has only sharpened that outlook. “It helped me a lot,” Shameel reflects. “I was exposed to new tactical ideas, approaches to team management, and leadership tools. It also gave me the confidence to handle bigger challenges and more importantly, to keep evolving.”

“Never give up. Life can change in an instant,” says Hyderabad FC former interim head coach Shameel Chembakath, reflecting on the mental resilience that has defined his journey from a promising defender forced into early retirement by injury, to standing pitch side in the Indian Super League.

“The injury and early retirement were the hardest moments I’ve faced,” he admits. “But I learned that if you stay strong, keep your focus, and keep working hard, new opportunities will eventually come. Mental strength is about holding on to hope, especially during your lowest points.”

For Chembakath, coaching has been more than a second chance and it’s been a full-circle return to the game he loves. “You have to trust the journey, even when it’s painful or unclear,” he says. “That mindset helped me return to football with the same passion, this time from the touchline.”

Building on his personal journey, Chembakath’s vision extends beyond his prior role at Hyderabad FC, as he candidly reflects on the broader landscape of Indian football coaching. “Indian football is improving, no doubt. But we need a much stronger foundation,” he asserts. “Grassroots development has to start early from schools, local academies, and with well-trained, qualified coaches guiding the way.”

A strong advocate for nurturing Indian coaching talent, Chembakath adds, “Young Indian coaches need structured opportunities, mentorship, and real pathways to grow. We must trust our local talent more. With the right ecosystem, they can not only thrive but play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in the country.”

One thing is very certain and fair here. 

As Indian football strides forward on the cusp of transformation, it is voices like Chembakath’s rooted in experience, humility, and vision that illuminate the path ahead. His call for stronger grassroots foundations and empowered local coaches is very clear reminder that sustainable progress arises from trust, investment, and the cultivation of character alongside skill.

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