SHILLONG: Rangdajied United will play their first match of the U-19 I-League on February 11 in Shillong and the junior Blues can boast of some talented players.
Several members of the squad, were part of the Subroto Cup-winning OM Roy Memorial HSS team. These players include Mebankhraw Wahlang, Jefferson Nongrud, Mebanshan Suting and Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri.
The two other teams in the North East Zone are Royal Wahingdoh FC and Green Valley (Assam).
The Rangdajied U-19 team was formed soon after the senior outfit won the Second Division I-League last year, a press release from the club explained on Monday.
Many of the boys represented the senior team in the Shillong Premier League 2013, where Rangdajied were undefeated throughout.
The 25-member team is also completely made up of those from Meghalaya.
“This gives us an added advantage as they all gel well, speak a common language and have a similar frame of mind, culture, living habits and standards. And all these translate very well on their field performance,” assistant coach Lekini Suting said.
Mebanshan, who was adjudged the Best Player in the Subroto Cup last year, is one footballer to look out for.
“It feels great that we will be playing in a national level tournament and we will give our best shot to come out the winner. We have practised hard, trained hard and so there is nothing to fear,” he said.
Bisharlang Kharumnuid, part of Rangdajied’s last line of defence, also shares the same sentiments.
“We know our opponents well. We have played with them time and again. So, at least the Shillong Leg shouldn’t be a big problem for us,” the skipper, who featured regularly in the SPL, said.
The junior Blues will need to draw on all of their training as they will face some tough competition, not least against their city rivals, Wahingdoh and Lajong.
Squad: Goalkeepers – Melverick Nongkhlaw, Sunshine Kharmuti, Ferdinand Makri. Defenders – Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri, Mynjurlang Nongkseh, Mebankhraw Wahlang, Overjoy Syiemsad, Greatstar Nongneng, Bisharlang Kharumnuid (Capt), Pynkhrawbok Kurbah, Pynskhem-i-tre Dkhar. Midfielders – Eddie Basaiawmoit, Donborlang Nongkynrih, Reson Malngiang, Evestarly Rynjah, Jeson Malngiang, Banshanlang Nongdhar, Marchstarfield Marbaniang, Bobbystar Malngiang, Belton Lartang. Forwards -Jefferson Nongrud, Michael Kurbah, Sheen Steven Sohktung, Mebanshan Suting, Gameliel Kharlyngdoh.
Officials: Coach – Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh. Asst Coach – Lekini Suting. Manager – Arki Myliem Umlong. Asst Managers – Rei Umdor and Rogest Basaiawmoit. Physio – Jonathan Kharbudnah
