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Players of Sechü Zubza FC, in dark blue, and Khriekesa FC posing for a photograph along with resource person and officials at the IG Stadium in Kohima on June 8. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 8 (EMN): The third edition of the Kohima Football League (KFL) got underway at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Saturday June 8.
Defending champion Sechü Zubza FC thrashed Khriekesa FC Meriema 7-0, in the first match. The first goal came from Shürhosül Zhotso in the 28th minute of the match, while Stephen Rutsa scored the second goal in the 36th minute.
Sechü Zubza FC came back stronger in the second half to score five goals. Two goals each were scored by Gideon Leo and Rhitsho Mero respectively, along with a goal by Disingam to beat Khriekesa FC Meriema 7-0.
In the second match, Forerunners FC beat United FC 5-0. Strikingly, Khwetelhi Thopi scored a hat-trick in the 32nd, 53rd, and 85th minute respectively. Meanwhile Vekhruto Resu and Keneinguzo Seletsu scored a goal each.
The league is played on single league basis where each team will get five matches totalling 30 matches for the tournament.
Addressing the inaugural function, Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha announced that the government will "soon be laying another astro-turf at Dimapur." This was announced by the PDA government in order to equip the state with more standard football ground, and to elevate the sportsperson.
The present government is trying to develop infrastructure and provide adequate facilities to promote, train, and motivate sportsperson to compete with the rest of the country, he said. Astroturf is one of the morale boosters for sportsperson, he added.
He urged the players to strive harder and work with sincerity and dedication.
The advisor believed the state can produce talented sportsperson in different sports as the people are gifted with talents.
He also cited some of the footballers who had set a benchmark including, Dr. Talimeren Ao, and a few promising upcoming players, such as Kivi Zhimomi (1st Naga footballer to be signed by an Indian Super League Club), Kewethelhi Thopi, James Kithan, Visalie Mezhü and Neithovilu Chalieu, who have set foot in different football clubs.
As part of promoting young talents, he said that the department has initiated Football Coaching Camp for 16 girls (U-14) to participate at Gothia Cup, at Sweden from July 14-20, 2019. The department is also looking into avenues for boys, to be trained and participate in tournaments, he added.
The advisor congratulated the Kohima Town Club for taking the initiative to bring young talents in a platform to compete with one another.
Altogether, seven teams are vying for the championship title. The club included Sechü Zubza FC, Vanguard FC Tseminyu, Khriekesa FC Meriema, Forerunners FC Thizama, United 16 FC Kohima, along with two new entrants Kohima Eagles FC and A. Yhome FC. The league will conclude on June 26.
Kohima Eagles FC vs Vanguard FC (1 pm)
A Yhome FC vs Sechü Zubza FC (3 pm)