Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The All India Football Federation has taken a significant step in preparing for the FIFA U15 World Cup and festival by appointing Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj as the manager of the team. Bibiano Fernandes has been handed the role as the head coach of the team.
The decision was made during the AIFF executive committee meeting on Thursday, August 6 in New Delhi, alongside many other calls regarding India’s friendly with Brazil and the Indian Super League.
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“On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach of the India U15 men’s national team, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager. As per the regulations of the tournament, 20 members — six staff and 14 players — can be part of the team’s contingent,” read the statement from AIFF.
The decision, which follows weeks of discussion across Indian football circles, has reignited the debate over the direction of India’s youth football programme. While Bajaj’s supporters believe his experience in grassroots football makes him an ideal addition to the national setup, others have questioned whether introducing another influential figure into an established coaching structure could complicate matters.
The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will be held from October 22 to 31 in Azerbaijan. Unlike senior FIFA competitions, the tournament is designed primarily as a developmental event, offering young footballers valuable international exposure rather than placing the focus entirely on results.
WHY BAJAJ’S APPOINTMENT WAS WELCOMED
Few administrators have been as vocal about grassroots football in India as Bajaj.
Through Minerva Punjab, he has built one of the country’s most successful youth academies, producing several India internationals while consistently competing at the highest level in age-group football.
Supporters believe his appointment is backed by a proven record that includes:
- Multiple AIFF Youth League titles with Minerva Punjab.
- International success, including Gothia Cup triumphs.
- Producing several players who have gone on to represent India at youth and senior levels.
- Consistent advocacy for structural reforms in Indian football.
- Publicly proposing cost-effective solutions to improve grassroots development.
Many also point to India’s recent struggles at youth level, including the U-15 team’s disappointing campaign in Tajikistan, where it finished bottom of its group, as evidence that Indian football needs fresh ideas and stronger grassroots leadership.
WHY THE MOVE HAS DIVIDED OPINION
The criticism surrounding the appointment has largely centred on the process rather than Bajaj himself.
Several coaches, journalists and supporters have argued that appointments within national teams should be made through technical evaluations and long-term planning instead of gaining momentum through social media campaigns and public pressure.
The bigger concern, however, revolves around how Bajaj’s responsibilities will coexist with those of Bibiano Fernandes.
BIBIANO FERNANDES’ CREDENTIALS TOUGH TO IGNORE
Much of the debate has inevitably centred on Fernandes, who remains one of India’s most respected youth coaches.
Supporters argue that recent criticism has overlooked years of work spent developing some of the country’s brightest young footballers and building a sustainable pathway for India’s youth teams.
Fernandes’ achievements include:
- Two SAFF U-15 titles.
- Two SAFF U-17 titles.
- One SAFF U-19 title.
- Four AFC Asian Cup qualifications across youth age groups.
Many within Indian football credit Fernandes with laying the foundation for several successful youth teams, particularly at the U-17 level, where qualification for continental tournaments has become an important benchmark.
They also point out that the FIFA U-15 World Cup is intended to accelerate player development rather than serve as a tournament where coaches are judged purely on results.
CAN BAJAJ AND BIBIANO WORK TOGETHER?
That has emerged as the biggest talking point following the appointment. During his time as the owner of Minerva, Bajaj has never stepped into the shoes of being a coach. He has remained comfortable being the manager, giving a few pep talks along the way.
Those backing the move believe the partnership could combine Bajaj’s grassroots expertise and administrative vision with Fernandes’ coaching experience, ultimately strengthening India’s youth programme.
Others remain cautious.
Critics argue that having two influential personalities within the same setup could create overlapping responsibilities unless the AIFF clearly defines each individual’s role. Some believe the federation should instead have made a clean choice — either continuing with Fernandes in complete charge of the project or handing the programme entirely to Bajaj.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
