SHILLONG: Manipur’s Boithang Haokip has had a brilliant season so far with Shillong Lajong FC, having been responsible for several beautiful curlers that have proved to be crucial goals for his team.
Lajong are have their best season by far in the I-League and are now in fifth place with seven games to go.
The 24-year-old midfielder has notched up five goals so far this season, making him the third highest Indian scorer in the competition so far, behind Balwant Singh and top-scorer Sunil Chhetri.
Speaking in an interview published on the official I-League website on Thursday, Boithang praised his coach, team mates and the team overall in being a major part of his development as a footballer.
“It’s been a really good (season) as I’ve been scoring more this year and I’m looking forward to continuing scoring,” he said.
“I am also indebted to our coach Thangboi Singto for the support he has given to us since last year. However, it’s not only the coach, but my team mates, colleagues and the entire staff at Shillong Lajong FC have been very helpful and their support has helped me a lot in my development.”
The midfielder has been at the Shillong club for a number of years and related a little of how he has grown as one of the Reds.
“I’ve been here for six years, and that says a lot about my growth at Lajong. The club have a very good understanding with me and vice-versa.
“As a player when I first came here, I was nowhere near to a good footballer. However, I came under the tutelage of good coaching staff and picked up games gradually.
“Learning and experience – two words – that’s how I sum up all these years in the club.
“Again, not only was my improvement limited to on-the-field performances. The club also taught me how to handle various situations and how to overcome pressure moments. All in all, it has been a real good ride at Shillong Lajong,” he added.
SLFC will next be in action in Pune on Saturday, where they take on second-placed Pune FC.
Lajong have played two matches on a four-game away stretch and need to keep their chins up as they go up against a very strong team.
