Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 17
Three times champions Naga Boys Club (1st batch) who made their return to the NSF Trophy after almost a decade, went down to Sechü Zubza Youth Organisation (SZYO) in the first round of the 16th edition of the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy held today at Khuochiezie Local Ground, Kohima.
It was a nostalgic moment for the players and all the soccer aficionados as these players (Naga Boys), who were once the heroes and biggest crowd pullers at Kohima Local Ground, made their entry into the ground which had given them the platform to grow up as prominent soccer players in the State. Most of these boys are now placed in different professions. However, majority of them are still keeping in touch with soccer, serving as coaches of reputed clubs in the State, including the DGP Police team.The Naga Boys Club was formed in 1998 under the leadership of Roko Angami, who represented Mahindra & Mahindra FC of Mumbai and India Under-16 team. Since its formation, the Club had won several trophies of the major tournaments in the State. They were the champions of NSF Trophy in 2000, 2003 and 2006. To their credit, they also lifted the Classic Cup tournament a decade back.
Playing the third match of the day, spectators gathered in good number to witness the performance of their ‘one time’ football heroes. However, their participation into the tournament was short lived as they were convincingly beaten by their rivals SZYO by 5-1.
Going by the performance of the Naga Boys players, one would say their touch and skills still remains intact, but their match fitness could be questioned. And that was the area where they were made to drill out during the entire match trailing behind.
The former champions were tested in the very first minute of the match, when SZYO striker Sede Nagi found the net, but the goal was called off as the assistant referee raised his flag.
In the 11th minute, SZYO defender Thejavilie Sirie found the net from a long distance range. Within no time, Petevikho Kitshü scored his team’s third goal in the 15th minute, followed by a clear finish from SZYO skipper Akhobu Miasalhou in the 26th minute.
The second half witnessed a rejuvenated Naga Boys team as they raised their game level with better counter attacks keeping the opponent’s defenders busy for quite a while. Naga Boys’ striker Lhoulavolie Linyü, one of the leading scorers during his time, gave his team the hope to turn back the match in the 50th minute with a lovely volley. However, their happiness was short lived, as the SZYO took to their advantage the lack of match fitness of the veteran players, who are mostly in their late 30s and early 40s now.
SZYO defender Zhavilie Meyase netted his team’s fourth goal in the 55th minute and sealed the match in the 62nd minute. Zhavilie would have become the first hat-trick scorer of the tournament, if the off-side goal in the second match was not called off.
With the victory, SZYO will now take on defending champions Barak FC, Peren in the second round scheduled on September 25. Barak FC entered the next round after their victory against Boys United FC, Chiechama by 6-0 at the inaugural match played on September 16.
Before the start of the match, the players and the Khuochiezie spectators also observed a minute silence in memory of the first batch Naga Boys Club members who passed away. Mention be made that their surprise participation to this year’s tournament was made possible as a courtesy of remembrance of the 1st batch members.
