Syed Nayeemuddin’s love for football is deeply rooted in his bloodline. His father, a skilled footballer, ignited the passion within him, a passion that blossomed amidst the limited resources of his small room in Hyderabad. The absence of a proper football didn’t deter Nayeemuddin, who honed his skills using whatever was available, from crumpled cloth to a tennis ball.
His journey began in Remistanpur High School, where his talent shone in inter-school tournaments. At 18, his exceptional game caught the eye of Hyderabad Police Football team scouts, catapulting him into the world of professional football. He initially joined the reserve team, proving his mettle and eventually earning his place in the senior squad, gracing prestigious tournaments like the Durand Cup, Rovers Cup, and IFA Shield.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Clubs from Kolkata, known for their footballing prowess, were eager to secure his talent. East Bengal, under the watchful eye of J.C. Guha, saw him play in Delhi and made a decisive move to bring him to their team in 1966. Nayeemuddin’s journey took him to the pinnacle of Indian football, sharing the field with legendary figures like Peter Thangaraj and Ram Bahadur.
His mentor, Syed Abdul Rahim, a towering figure in Indian football, instilled in him the importance of discipline and a dedicated approach to the game. Rahim, the only Indian coach to win gold at the Asian Games, recognized Nayeemuddin’s potential during a practice session in his high school. Rahim’s strict coaching style, while effective in Nayeemuddin’s formative years, has come under scrutiny in the modern, corporatized landscape of Indian football.
Nayeemuddin, a bronze medalist at the Asian Games, observes a shift in player mentality. While he witnessed a strong desire to excel and a sense of camaraderie among his peers, the modern game seems to prioritize individual ambitions over collective goals. He believes that the current system empowers players, often forcing coaches to compromise their strategies to appease them, a practice he has experienced firsthand throughout his extensive coaching career.
Starting his coaching journey with Mohammedan Sporting, Nayeemuddin led the India U17 team to the 1985 AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers and took charge of the senior national team in 1986. He achieved immense success, leading East Bengal to its second Triple-crown and garnering eighteen trophies during his tenure. Nayeemuddin’s coaching legacy extends beyond these triumphs, encompassing stints with Mohun Bagan, Mahindra United, and Bangladeshi clubs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
He laments the diminishing emphasis on individual practice and dedication, the hallmarks of the golden era. In his days, players would dedicate countless hours to honing their skills, prioritizing excellence over comfort. Nayeemuddin emphasizes the vital importance of a comprehensive approach, ensuring players receive optimal nutrition and coaching.
He criticizes the prevailing mentality, where a focus on quick fixes and superficial achievements overshadows the importance of long-term development. He advocates for providing Indian coaches with the same opportunities and resources as their foreign counterparts, fostering a climate of growth and progress.
Despite Hyderabad’s rich footballing history, the sport’s presence has dwindled in recent times. Nayeemuddin attributes this decline to the lack of proper facilities and the allure of more lucrative sports. However, he remains hopeful for the future, with the government’s commitment to reviving the sport and a renewed focus on nurturing young talent. He stands ready to play his part, sharing his knowledge and expertise, ensuring that Hyderabad’s football legacy lives on.
