be one of the best Goa has seen in recent times. The team now dominates every game they play and scores goals for fun. They have either made it to the final or become champions in every junior category – under-14, under-16 and under-19, and narrowly missed qualification for the semifinals of the AIFF Junior League last year.

“He was passionate about his work and meticulous in his planning. He spent hours researching and reading about football and even developed his own curriculum which the Dempo coaches religiously follow,” said a former colleague.

All foreign coaches bring their own staff and then just pack up one day, but Katz made it a point to educate Indian coaches. Even after he left GFDC, there were many who approached him for guidance.

“I’venever seen a coach with such a good work ethic. He changed a coach’s mentality. From working just two hours on the field everyday and packing bags for home, he drilled into us that it was important to spend time in the office too. We planned weekly sessions and it was always inspiring to listen to him,” said a coach who worked with him until he was diagnosed with lung cancer in July this year.

