KOHIMA — For 18-year-old Hiti Seb, a footballer from Nagaland who joined the reserve team of NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) two months ago, playing for the club has been an honour, and he is determined to climb the ranks.
Playing as a striker for NEUFC, Seb is currently on a two-year contract with the club.
At Nehru Stadium in Guwahati recently, Eastern Mirror caught up with the young footballer on the sidelines of his field training and he shared that his two months at the club have been good so far.
"I am really happy to play for the NEUFC because it’s a very big club and to get an opportunity to play is an honour. I am very grateful to the club. Whenever I play, it’s always an amazing feeling to play for the northeast,” Seb shared.
According to him, NEUFC is one of the best clubs for youngsters in India, and he expressed hope that he will be given a chance if he performs well and works hard.
Competing for game time among teammates is one of the most challenging aspects for Seb, as 29 of them vie for the same opportunity.
“Football is a competitive sport and to get a game time is very tough. All my teammates are also very good. So it’s always a competition to get a game time among us," he said.
After joining the club, he played in the Independence Cup in Mizoram and the Climate Cup in Ladakh. He noted that their typical day of training includes field sessions and gym workouts daily from Monday to Saturday, with Sundays off.
He added that the coach pushes them to their limits and expects the best from the players, which often presents a challenge.
Inspired by Messi
Seb began playing football at the age of seven, inspired by Argentine footballer Lionel Messi and the 2014 World Cup. Despite facing challenging moments in his journey, he said it was his faith in God that motivated him to keep going when he felt like giving up.
Hailing from Tseminyu district, Seb said that his family, especially his parents, are his greatest support. Although football isn't always a smooth journey, his parents back him up, motivating him and helping him overcome setbacks to come back stronger.
Seb mentioned that from a young age, his parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams, for which he is very grateful. He expressed a desire to play in top national football leagues, including the Indian Super League, and to use his football talent to glorify God and serve others.
If given the opportunity, he would have liked to play alongside Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, but since Chhetri has retired, his current preference is to play with Mizoram footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte. Additionally, his dream club is Barcelona.
Support children in pursuing non-traditional paths
In his message to the people of Nagaland, he emphasised the importance of supporting children who want to pursue non-traditional paths such as sports, arts, or music. He encouraged individuals to explore and express their unique talents, using their gifts to glorify God.
He cited the success of neighbouring states like Manipur and Mizoram in football as inspiration, urging Nagas to follow their example and contribute to the state's overall development.
Alongside his football career, Seb is also pursuing Class 12 through distance education and will be appearing for his final examinations next month. Managing time for both studies and football commitments isn’t a problem for him, as according to him, he has ample time to study.
Seb previously played for Sudeva Delhi FC for six years. He also played for Tarun Sangha Football Club and Rajasthan United FC last year before joining NEUFC.
Seb has potential, says head coach
Suhel Nair, NEUFC head of youth development and head coach of the under-17 team, said that Seb has shown a lot of promise and is performing well in training. He is optimistic that opportunities will arise for Seb if he maintains his progress.
“We see a lot of potential in him,” Nair said, adding that he is confident Seb will play in more matches in the coming days.
He said that the reserve team serves as a platform for players to showcase their abilities. Rather than focussing solely on winning or setting records, the team prioritises providing opportunities for all players. In their recent tournaments, 26 out of 29 players have seen action, he said.
For the club, it is all about providing opportunities for players, and it is up to the players to seize them. The club has yet to explore Tripura and Nagaland for scouting players and implementing new development projects. He assured that they are planning to visit these two states within the next six to eight months.
Regardless of the state, he believes that providing players with ample game time is crucial for their development. This is especially important for young players in the under-17 or reserve teams, as it helps the club identify potential candidates.
He is confident that once a residential setup is established, it will create more opportunities for under-15 and under-13 boys.
As for Bokato Awomi, who was listed under the ‘probables’ category in June, the head coach explained that they had an eye on him, but there are certain standards that need to be met at the club. He observed that Bokato requires some work on himself.
The club may call him to come for training and see how he's developing, he added.