SHILLONG: With the next edition of the I-League set to kick-off shortly, the lone team representing the state in the competition, Shillong Lajong FC, is ramping up its preparations for the event. They were recently given a boost after winning the North East Lajong Super Series, where they beat United Sikkim and Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
In a press statement released on Friday, coach Desmond Bulpin, who took over the team in June, expressed confidence in the team’s chances.
“All the boys are working very hard during their training sessions and have improved remarkably. They have quickly adapted to the style of possession and pressuring football, which is very important when the opposing team has the ball,” Bulpin said.
While other, more established teams in India can boast of bigger budgets, Bulpin still feels that Lajong has made some good signings pre-season who suit the club the best.
The Scot also placed emphasis on the “fighting spirit” he sees among the players and, importantly, the fans.
“The way forward for us is to press the ball and the fighting spirit from the terrace to the touchline to the player. If we can produce high tempo football and total commitment to the club, and if we can make JN Stadium our fortress, then I feel beating us in our home ground will surely not be a walk in the park for our opponents.
“I hope the supporters are committed towards supporting us through good and bad times, and I am confident that we can surprise the I-League with some good results and I am really looking forward to a good season together. Together and united, nothing is impossible.”
Bulpin said that the support of the Lajong fans played a big part in their victory over a class team in the final against Wellington. That match was a tight one, with Shillong coming through 3-2.
“I was very pleased when the fans were behind us in the final match against Wellington Phoenix FC,and I think that it was one of the contributing factors of the great win. They all showed their love and passion for the game not only on the field but also supported us greatly with their wishes and comments in Shillong Lajong FC’s Facebook fan page,” said Bulpin.
Bulpin also linked the North East’s “warrior spirit” to that of his native Scotland, where football also has a passionate following.
He expressed hope that the fans will again turn out for the first I-League home game.
Lajong hasn’t been without its setbacks, notably its poor performance in the Shillong Premier League, where they finished second from last and have been relegated.
The management had, however, explained that away by saying that the SPL was a proving ground for their younger players, and Lajong were more firmly focused on performing well at the national level.
Now, with the two good wins in the Super Series, the I-League and Federation Cup beckon, and with it, the chance for Lajong to deliver on their promise.
