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Hitova Ayemi[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 27 (EMN): 20 year old Nagaland striker Hitova Ayemi from Kohima has joined the senior team of Indian league champions Minerva Punjab for a period of two years. According to the official website of Minerva Punjab, Ayemi said he was lucky to have signed with the champions, “I hope I do well here, I will have to because it is going to be very competitive. It won’t be a walk in the park but then, I’m used to it as anywhere we play, it’s always competitive. Even if there’s no prize at the end, no one wants to end up on the losing side.
"My dream is to make it to the national team soon and I hope I will improve here. There have been many young players in the past who were playing in the top division at a very young age and have made it to the national team. I’m very sure that I have come to the right place. If I do well, this will be the best spotlight on me. Minerva has been the right kind of platform for the youth," this was quoted by the midfielder in the website.
Ayemi can either play as a winger or an attacking midfielder.
He also played a crucial part for Ziekiezuo SC team who had won the first edition of Kohima Football League. Zakietuolie Khrodi the former coach of Hitova Ayemi during the KFL stint said he was not only one of the best players but also humble and discipline.
"Now that he's having an injury, I wish him speedy recovery, and wish him success and hoped that he will make our name (Naga) proud in Indian football history”.
William Koso, AFC A License Football Coach and Kohima Town Club technical head observed that Hitova was hard working and committed to training. While appreciating that his parents also encouraged him to pursue his career as a professional football player' which is very rare in our Naga society'.
"We are providing a platform for our young footballers and we want them to take this opportunity to exhibit and play the best football" said the coach. While he also expects that the players should not end up playing football in Kohima but they must set goal beyond the state. "I would like to wish him a successful career" said the coach.
Ayemi have previously played for Fateh Hyderabad AFC and DSK Shivajians Football academy. After his 10th standard, he was invited by Shillong Lajong Football Club and after a short stint; he went to South Korea to train for two months.
He got selected by the DSK Shiviajians after his return when DSK came to Shillong for scouting young players. He also played in the Durant cup for the senior team.
