Correspondent
Kohima, October 10
Come October 13 (Sunday) and the football fans would be able to witness the football talents of the North Eastern as the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) is holding an exhibition match between one of the top teams of Shillong – Royal Wahingdoh and the local favourites Kohima Komets.Royal Wahingdoh are the current champions Shillong Premier League and while Kohima Komets are the current champions of Classic Cup Kohima. The match will commence at 1:30 pm with Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and REPA, CL John will witness the match as the chief guest.
The 23 member squad, including a foreign player of the Royal Wahingdoh Football Club, current Shillong Premier League champions, is all geared up to come to Nagaland to play exhibition match at Kohima Local Ground on October 13 at 1:30 pm.
ASU president Zakie Khate said that the match is being organized to generate fund for the Late Kekuojalie Sachu and Late Vikhozo Yhoshu Memorial Trust. Fund generated from the exhibition match would not only help to sustain the annual NSF Martyrs’ memorial Trophy organized by Angami Students’ Union but it would also be used for educational and social activities concerning the Angami students.
Requesting the general public to come and witness the match, he said that the tickets are being sold at Sports World Kohima and would also be available at the gate of the ground, which are priced at Rs. 1000 for donors and Rs. 100 for gallery.
Among the 16 players of Royal Wahingdoh, a Nigerian player Loveday Okechukuwu would also playing the match in Kohima.
A brief history of Royal Wahingdoh FC
Historically known as Royal Wahingdoh Sports Club was founded in 1946 before winning numerous titles and slowly making its mark in the Shillong football scene. However, as the years progressed, more professional clubs began making their entry into the leagues organized in Shillong, making the competition stiffer than it already was. The amateur club found it difficult to cope with the younger clubs and slowly, its downfall began. In 2007, Wahingdoh Sports Club nearly faced relegation to the 2nd Division League, and as a result of inconsistent performance, the Wahingdoh community felt the need for a younger and more innovative approach. The club finally turned professional in 2008 after merging with Royal Football Club.
Thereafter, the club was renamed Royal Wahingdoh FC under the able leadership of the club's new owner Dominic Sutnga Tariang. Several dramatic changes were made in and within the club, and in the same very year of its reformation, the club unexpectedly bounced back to claim Third spot in the 2nd Division Regional League. Royal Wahingdoh FC fans still remember the team's stupendous performance in the First Division 2009 season where they established a record by winning all their games besides scoring 52 goals en route to lifting the title and along with it, an entry into the top tier of Meghalaya football, "The Shillong Premiere League." The club created history in the Shillong Premier League 2010 season by becoming the first team to win the title on debut after beating Shillong Lajong FC through tiebreaker. Another record was set in August, 2012 when the Royals won their third consecutive Shillong Premier League finals after beating Rangdajied United FC. Royal Wahingdoh FC is currently competing in national tournaments including the 2nd Division I League and the Federation Cup.
Kenio Lyngkhoi, R.Lalhmangaizuala, Loveday Okechukwu, N.Premsingh, Khusen Manger, Pema Bhutia, Kerionald Pyngrope, Chesterfiel Nongdhar, Syevit Tongper, Maitshaphrang Nengnong, Mankupar Rymmai,Eijingmut Lyngdoh, Karma Lepcha, Henry Kharwan, Aiborlang Khyriemmunjat, Dosel Lalruatkima, Vanlalzuia.
Officials – Richard Nongneng, Aibok Kharpran, Erwin Gathrie, Michal
R.Nongkynrih and N.S Soso.
Kohima Komets (KK) is a premier football club based in Kohima, Nagaland. The Club was established in November 2011 with the objective of setting up professionally managed Football Team which can compete at International Level.
The club is backed by Businessmen, Contractors and Professionals from varied field both financially and technically. The involvement of the patrons are mainly as a Social Service towards the Society. The Club is in the process of setting up a private academy to groom and train younger players also provide free training facility for the Naga Youth.
Kohima Komets has played in the 2nd division in I-League in 2013. It finished 6th place in Nagaland Premier League 2012 and is currently playing in NPL 2013. It won the first title by clinching the 19th Classic Cup, played at Kohima in August this year.
: Tingnyek Konyak, Pesuidibe Solo, James Kitha, Dominic Kirha, Devekho Mazamo, Simon Himingrhanzvala, David Puyem Konyak,Samuel Mhar, Lalnginglova, Kanjilo Kemp, Bamdibe Khulim, Kezhose Mathew, Kivi Zhimomi, Yanshalo Kemp.
Team Coach: William Koso, Assistant Coach – Nzanthung Ezung, Physio –
Zakie and Manager – Beizo Solo.
