SHILLONG: NorthEast United FC defender Aiborlang Khongjee has backed his side to finish at least No. 2 in the standings if they fail to emerge champions in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League.
High after their victory against hosts Mumbai City FC in the last outing, NEUFC will take on Delhi Dynamos in an away match on Wednesday.
After four matches, the Highlanders are placed third in the standings with seven points in their kitty behind Chennaiyin FC (9 pints) and leaders Atletico de Kolkata (11points).
India defender Khongjee, who has already made his presence felt in NEUFC’s scheme of things, believes that playing in the ISL will prove to be a great learning curve for him.
“The ISL demands more physically and technically because of the presence of marquee managers and players and I hope (by the end of the tournament) personally I will become a better player through my experience in this tournament,” Khongjee told The Shillong Times recently.
Praising the ISL, Shillong lad Khongjee further said, “It is a different but interesting football league. It is the first of its kind in India as it provides a great opportunity for development of players and the sport in India.”
Meanwhile, another player from Shillong who is yet to get a game is equally upbeat about the whole tournament.
For 19-year-old Redeem Tlang, practicing alongside Indian and international stars is proving to be one of the greatest experiences of his life.
“Playing alongside world class players is proving to be a great experience for me,” Redeem said adding that his entire focus was centred on training and he has never felt the pressure of being a part of NEUFC.