By Monojit Mandal
SHILLONG: The result of Ryntih SC’s I-league bid is expected before Independence Day. The city-based Ryntih SC along with two other clubs – Sudeva Moonlight FC of New Delhi and Hyderabad outfit Sreenidhi FC – had submitted bids for direct entry into the I-League structure.
In an exclusive interview, Samran S Syiem, CEO, Ryntih Sports & Cultural Club, told The Shillong Times, that the club was expecting the final verdict before August 15.
“AIFF had informed that the result would be declared on July 7, but due to some problems they postponed the declaration to July 31. Again, after a Zoom meeting on July 31, we were informed that the result will be out after August 5. We are expecting to get the result before Independence Day,” Syiem said.
Talking about the chances of Ryntih SC’s entry into the league, Syiem said that the club has submitted all the requisite documents requested by AIFF during the bidding process and also fulfilled all necessary criteria to be eligible to play in the I-League.
“At the moment the AIFF is evaluating the documents and getting the I-League spot will depend on fulfilment of the criteria set by AIFF.
“The criteria are divided into two categories — Pre Evaluation Criteria and Award Criteria. Under the first, they check the financial details of the club and the promoter, the number of promoters the club has and the organisational structure of the club. Under the second, they check if the club has its stadium or has an MoU/NoC signed with any association having a stadium, Mou/NoC for practice ground, collaboration with an international club,” added Syiem.
Syiem also said that Ryntih SC has a high chance of getting direct entry into I-League if the AIFF decision is based only on the criteria stipulated.
The MoU signed with Transport United FC, Bhutan is also part of fulfilling one of the criteria. Besides, this is a major boost for the sport of football for both the club and the state of Meghalaya, informed Syiem.
“This partnership (with Transport United FC, Bhutan) will provide a platform for our footballers to play in the top league in Bhutan, the Bhutan Premier League.
“Transport United FC has also got a chance to participate in the highest club-level competition with the AFC Cup. With this partnership our top-performing players will get a chance to play for Transport United FC in the AFC Cup,” he said.
Ryntih SC, as a club is trying its best to promote local talents in the region and give them proper exposure in the competitive arena, he said.
“The club’s vision is to promote young and talented footballers in the state and give them the best platform they can get to showcase their capabilities.
“The road ahead for us is to set up our academy and give our players the best football coaching required, to equip our coaches in the best possible way, imbibe knowledge and skills for both technical and management aspects”, he said adding the academy would have a football ground and hostel for players. “All these are infrastructural activities that the club will engage in once the I-League spot is confirmed,” Syiem said.