XI Brothers retain Lotha Football Championship trophy

WOKHA — At the ongoing 13th edition of the Lotha Football Championship, the XI Brothers of Chukitong defeated Friends Club from Wokha village 5-1, retaining the trophy.

The event, organised by the Wokha District Football Association (WDFA), culminated here at public ground, Wokha town.

In the first half of the match, Friends Club dominated the match with the first goal by Zuben Kikon through a free kick in the 5th minute of the match.

XI Brothers equalised the score in the 25th minute by Mhonthung, who also scored three more goals in the 47th, 64th and 84th minutes. He finished the tournament with the most goals, 19 in total.

Other individual award winners included Zuben Kikon of Friends Club as the player of the tournament, Saronbemo Shitiri (XI Brothers) as the best defender, Jonchibemo (Titans XI) as the best goalkeeper, and Renjamo Ngullie from Friends Club as the best midfielder.

Earlier at the closing ceremony programme held prior to the final match, Secretary for Youth Resource and Sports, Anthony Ngullie, called upon the players to exhibit their talents and perform well in the field.

He said that the department is initiating job opportunities for sportspersons to be accommodated in various sectors of government services. In this connection, he expressed his wish for the youths to take up sports with patience and dedication.

The event culminated with the director of Youth Resource and Sports handing over the trophy, certificates, cash awards, and medals to the winners, including individual award winners.