For this town in Manipur, India’s hope hinges on their local boy’s performance

[caption id="attachment_142178" align="alignleft" width="239"] Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem.[/caption] Imphal, Oct. 2 (EMN): Goalkeepers are the least appreciated footballers but the residents of Moirang in Manipur, the birth place of Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, goalkeeper in India’s first ever U-17 World Cup appearance believe that it is one of the most important players in football as the goalkeeper will have to be on guard all the time against strong opponents. “We’re wishing Dheeraj all the best in the upcoming matches because he being the custodian of Indian team which consists of 8 players from our state, can guard the goals from opponents,” says Ph Surendro, a local coach from Moirang. Sharing a similar sentiment, K Jugin a local supporter also informed that custodian of goal posts is very important in crucial period of the football matches. On the other hand, Moirang Kendra Progressive Front, a local body also extended a sum of Rs. 30,000 as a monetary support to Dheeraj’s parents who are expected to go to Delhi to watch their son’s performances in the world cup. The parents of all the eight Manipur players in India U-17 (World Cup) football team including its captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam,also from Manipur are expected to visit to watch their sons play in U-17 World Cup beginning on October 6 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Earlier Manipur’s Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip had announced cash awards of Rs. 5 lakh each for eight players from Manipur in the 21 member football team of the country for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held across six cities from October 6. The eight players from Manipur are Dheeraj S. Moirangthem (Goal keeper), Boris Singh Thangjam (Defender), Suresh Singh Wahengbam, Nongdamba Naorem, Md Shahjahan ,Khumanthem Ningthounganba, Jackson Singh Thounaojam and Amarjit Singh Kiyam (Midfielders).