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Kivi Zhimomi (L) in action during an I-League match[/caption]
Kohima, March 28 (EMN): Footballer Kivi Zhimomi who became the first Naga football player to score in the I-League this season is said to have received offers to play in the country's big time.
Zhimomi said that he was now hopeful about playing in the top tier league again next season.
He was signed in January on loan to Gokulam Kerala FC (GKFC) and has scored two goals in his debut for I-league this season.
Eastern Mirror interacted with the 22-year old Kivi. He said "I really thank God for opening doors in my football career. For the next seasons I have received calls from renowned clubs in India, an offer to play I League and ISL next season. Praying and hoping for the best to come so that I can show the world the bright side of the profession I have chosen."
Zhimomi has joined his parent club Viva Chennai to play in the Chennai Football Association Senior Division League.
According to a report from Sportskeeda, Kivi Zhimomi is linked with a move to the ISL clubs. In an interview with ANI, Gokulam Kerala FC's coach Bino George said, "He (Zhimomi) is a great talent.
He is certainly an inspiration back in his state and I'm sure he has great things ahead of him in the future. He is still young and has a lot of scope for improvement. I hope we have more players following his footsteps from Nagaland. As long as football spreads its wings in India. I'm happy” the ANI quoted him.
Zhimomi was born and brought up in Dimapur and is the youngest of six children. He started his football career in 2010 from the State Sports Academy in Dimapur. He has played for Viva Chennai FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club at Kolkata, and Rangdajied United FC at Shillong.
Speaking about his experience in the I-league, he said, “I feel complete and excited being part of the Hero I League. Playing the Hero I-League has given me an opportunity to pursue my passion and see where my potential is. It also gives me a chance to really see and understand who I am and what I am capable of.
I have experienced that every level of play, teamwork, and good sportsmanship are the goals to learn lessons about winning graciously, losing with dignity, and sticking to it when things got tough; building character, self discipline, and persistence which always paid off.”
The player advised upcoming Naga football players to pay more attention to 'their talents and goals than their critics.' He said: 'We don’t grow when things are easy but we grow when we face challenges.
Today I have come up to this level because of my positive outlook in my football career...(The profession is) a really tough thing but if you are going to get into it, you have got to get into it all the way.'
“Everyone wants to achieve something in life but I tell you it's only those follows that take a true approach to get it. I have experienced that hard work and dedication has a destination which is success."
The player hoped that young upcoming football players would understand the vigorous and persistent demands of the career. 'Our efforts should be toward possessing the talents we have in order to make it to the I League level,” Zhimomi said.