Kohima, Oct. 6 (EMN): Nagaland Football Association organised the first selection trials for Santosh Trophy zonal round at IG Stadium in Kohima on Wednesday. A total of 23 footballers from different districts turned out for the selection trials.
For scouting the Nagaland football team, NFA vice president Mughato Aye, AFC A coach William Koso, AFC B coach Roko Angami were present on the occasion.
The Association has also informed that the second phase selection trials will be held very soon in other districts to scout more talented players in the state.
After the second phase, a final round selection will be held at the IG stadium Kohima to select the best players for the zonal championship.
According to reports, the Santosh Trophy zonal round is likely to be held from November 21 to December 5, 2021 at Imphal, Manipur.
It may be mentioned that Santosh Trophy is the premier men’s national football championship of India where all affiliated state associations of AIFF are eligible to participate in this championship through the qualifying round, which is played across the country.
Winners from each group from the five zones (North, South, East, West, North-east), qualify to the final round which is hosted in a central venue awarded to each zone on a rotational basis with either of the two qualified teams from the zone winning the right to host the finals.
Following the group phase, top two teams from each group qualify to the final round where the teams are again split into two groups of five teams each.
The top two teams from each qualify for the semi-finals and the winners contest in the Final for the silverware.