Kohima, March 12 (EMN): Visalie Mezhü, an attacking midfielder for Churchill Brothers Sporting Club based in Goa became the latest player from Nagaland to debut at the Hero Indian League on the final day of 2017-18 season against Minerva Punjab FC at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, Haryana on Thur. March 8.
The 18-year-old Visalie Mezhü joined his teammate James Kithan, the goalkeeper of the club to play in the I-league and also became the fifth person from Nagaland to play at India’s top tier league after Kwethelhi Thopi, James Kithan, Kivi Zhimomi and Roko Angami.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Mezhü said “It was a tough and difficult match as we played against the league leaders (Minerva Punjab FC) in a deciding match. I felt good and excited to play in such a big game. God is the only reason that I have made it so far and I thank Him for his grace and blessings upon me” he added. A product of Shillong Lajong Football Club academy, he is also among the youngest players in the league.
In the match, William Opoku Asiedu solitary goal handed victory for Minerva Punjab against Churchill Brothers SC as he scored the only goal in the 16th minute to hand the title to Minerva Punjab FC.
Two-times champion Churchill Brothers SC with the defeat were relegated to second division. They finished second from bottom of the table with 17 points in 18 matches, while Minerva Punjab FC finished the season with 35 points from 18 matches.
While on March 15, Churchill Brothers SC will play against Delhi Dynamos in the first edition of the Hero Super Cup, which will be played in Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar.
