GUWAHATI: Shillong Lajong FC will field players from the Northeast only and “no foreign players” in the first I-League match of the season against formidable Aizawl FC at JN Stadium, Shillong on October 28.
Speaking ahead of the start of the new season, Lajong head coach, Alison Kharsyntiew said, “It’s going to be a very exciting and a challenging season for us because we will field North East players only with no foreign players. We will be facing against tough teams in the League but we believe that our boys will give a good performance in every game, be strong, confident and motivated.”
“We have to be united and fight together as a team. We must take one game at a time and be focussed. We also need a good support from our fans and we hope they will turn up in huge numbers to watch the local players giving their hearts out in every match at the JN Stadium.”
The Hero I-League 2018-19 season kicks off on Friday and this season will be Shillong Lajong’s ninth season of participation in India’s top tier competition.
The new season the I-League will see 11 teams from across the country vying for the title.
Lajong, Aizawl and Neroca will be the three Northeastern clubs; East Bengal and Mohun Bagan from West Bengal; Chennai City from Tamil Nadu; Gokulam Kerala FC from Kerala; title holders Minerva Punjab FC from Punjab; 2nd Division champions Real Kashmir FC from Kashmir. Besides, the AIFF Development Team – Indian Arrows will be based from Cuttack and Churchill Brothers from Goa have been reinstated this season.
Shillong Lajong’s I-league squad for this season will comprise of the youngsters who are currently playing the Shillong Premier League. These boys ended the league stage at the top of the SPL table with 26 points and will be playing the finals against Langsning FC.
In the previous season of the I-League, Shillong Lajong finished in the 6th position with 22 points. As many as eight players made their I-League debuts last season. They are Samuel Kynshi, Allen Lyngdoh, Kynsailang Khongsit, Lalrohlua, Phurba Lachenpa, Sheen Sohktung, Kenstar Kharshong and Rakesh Pradhan.
Lajong Academy product, Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi scored his first I-League thereby becoming the youngest Khasi player from Meghalaya to score in the I-League.
Samuel Lalmuanpuia will lead the Reds for the second consecutive season.
Speaking ahead of the I-League opener, the 20 year old forward said, “We need to work hard as a team and have strong belief and determination. It will be a tough season but we look forward to giving our best, get positive results and take one game at a time.”
Lajong squad –
Goalkeepers: Phurba Tempa Lachenpa (Sikkim), Neithovilie Chalieu (Nagaland)
Defenders – Kynsailang Khongsit (Meghalaya), Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri (Meghalaya)Novin Gurung (Sikkim), Aibankupar Dohling (Meghalaya), Habymmutshuh Nongrum (Meghalaya), Kenstar Kharshong (Meghalaya), Rakesh Pradhan (Assam) and Naoroibam Romen Singh (Manipur).
Midfielders – Hardy Cliff Nongbri (Meghalaya), F. Lalrohlua (Mizoram), Phrangki Buam (Meghalaya), Freestar Kharbangar (Meghalaya), Lalawmpuia Hnamte (Mizoram), Samuel James Lyngdoh Kynshi (Meghalaya)
Forwards – Bonison Nongmaithem (Manipur), Samuela Lalmuanpuia (Mizoram), Sheen Sohktung (Meghalaya), Parvaj Bhuiya (Tripura), Naorem Mahesh Singh (Manipur)