Correspondent
Kohima, October 13
The much anticipated exhibition match between the champions of Shillong and Nagaland, Royal Wahingdoh and the local favourites Kohima Komets was played on Sunday under the aegis of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) at Kohima Local Ground with huge crowd witnessing the match.In a close shave encounter, Royal Wahingdoh (RWS) defeated Kohima Komets by 2-1 despite trailing with goal till the lemon break. Notably, playing with one of the renowned teams from Meghalaya, the local boys (KK) apparanetly took some time to settle and were unable to put up a good show while the visitors went into the attacking spree and almost found the lead within the first couple of minutes.
It was in the second minute that David of RWS moving on the left flank made a sudden attempt towards the nets but custodian Peisuidibe was alert enough to brilliantly thwart it.
The visitors made some more attacks but were unable to find any breakthrough. Composing themselves, KK made their first decisive move in the 24th minute wherein Yhunshalo’s centre air ball was taken directly by Kivi barely missing the target.
In the 26th minute, Kivi took an excellent direct free kick into the target, while RWS custodian Kenio fumbled with the ball skipper Tingnyek Konyak tried to push it into the nets but only to recollected by custodian.
It was the home team managing to score first through Kivi as he lashed in a rebound off Semual R Hmar’s shot in the 35th minute to lead the first half.
However, 46 seconds in the second half, RWS returned to the game with Milancy striking in the much needed equalizer and the crowd roaring up in excitement. Fifteen minutes, it was the visitors scoring the lead through Eijingmut’s excellent header off a long direct kick from Laldinmawia. The 61st minute would have given an equalizer to KK had not Kivi’s shot off Tingnyek’s pass not went slightly over the cross bar.
Thereafter it was RWS making continued attacks while their defenders didn’t allow KK forwards to take any chance.
However, neither side managed to move the score board and the match ended with the visitors win, except for a yellow card being shown against KK defender David F. Tuollai for intentionally pulling down Laldinmawia just outside the danger zone.
Speaking as the chief patron of the match, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and REPA, CL John though Nagas love the game of football due to lack of infrastructure, facilities for the players, lack of professionals etc the game has not gained much momentum.
He however said that things are now improving and called upon the football lovers not to be discouraged but keep playing while also expressing the hope that a day will not be far when Nagas can produce football legends like Dr. T Ao, who created history by captaining the Indian Olympic team in 1948 at London.
Calling upon the spectators and players to salute Late Kekuojalie and Late Vikhozo for laying their lives for the cause of the Nagas, he said it is acknowledgement of their supreme sacrifices that the organizers (ASU) have been carrying the legacy forward on the theme “Goal for Peace”.
John also maintained that the DAN government is putting a lot of importance on promoting games and sports in the state and instituting awards for outstanding sportspersons.
He said “with our slogan peace for development and development for peace, we are all out for peace and to encourage players in all disciplines, so that peace prevails in our land”.
Event coordinator Roko Angami highlighted 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 organised by ASU but it would also be used for educational and social activities concerning the Angami students, he said.
The exhibition match which commenced with prayer by Leader for Christ International, President Dr. Tsibu Rutsa also witnessed entertainment during the break by Fusion Flippers, Sevi Khruomo & Nisheli Yepthomi, both finalists of Kids for Fame 2013.
[caption id="attachment_4830" align="alignleft" width="300"] Veteran football players Richard Nongneng from Meghalaya and Roko Angami from Nagaland meeting at Kohima Local Ground after 17 years. (EM Images)[/caption]
The historic football exhibition match between Royal Wahingdoh FC of Shillong and Kohima Komets FC at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on Sunday not only assembled the players of the two states to get to know each other but has also come as a reunion for two veteran players after 17 years.
One of these two veteran players is the incumbent coach of Royal Wahingdoh FC Richard Nongneng from Meghalaya and the other is Nagaland football coach and the coordinator of Sunday’s exhibition match Roko Angami.
Both the veteran players, now in their 40s, have played for Mumbai-based club Mahindra & Mahindra back in the late nineties. They both had even represented the country in the junior team and brought laurels to their respective states through their achievements.
As these two veteran players met at Khuochiezie, it was a nostalgic moment in reminiscing their good old time and bygone days at the Mumbai-based club. Playing for Mahindra & Mahindra, they recalled that they had shared the same dressing room with some top football stars of the country and even played against the best players and clubs in the country including the likes of East Bengal and Mohun Began.
Richard Nongneng, son of late RL Thangkhiew, played for Mahindra & Mahindra in 1995 and represented the India Under-19 team. Nongneng, who retired from the game in 2005, is now 44 years of age and father of four.
As a player, he was even associated with Young Amateur Club and Langning FC of Shillong where he captained the latter for several years. He is said to have coached the Meghalaya Police team for three years after his retirement. Prior to joining the Royal Wahingdoh FC as coach, Nongneng who is from Upper Shillong had also served as the coach of Meghalaya State football team.
While, Roko Angami, son of late Tholhou of Zhadima village under Kohima district, played for Mahindra & Mahindra for two seasons in 1996 & 1997. He also represented the India Under-16 team in Israel. With regard to his international exposure, he played for Mahindra & Mahindra at Nepal Gold Cup in 1996.
Roko Angami, who is now father of one, retired as a player in 1998 at the age of 27.
After his retirement, he took keen initiative in encouraging aspiring Naga footballers. Along with the support of some friends, the Nagas Boys Club was formed in 1999. It may be recalled that the Naga Boys Club under his leadership won many local trophies and remained as one of the local favourite teams till its existence.
For their reunion at Khuochiezie, they had lots to be thankful for, especially to the Angami Students’ Union for organizing the exhibition match. They were in unison in expressing the hope that exhibition matches like this will go a long way in encouraging footballers in the Northeast region.
It may be mentioned that the exhibition match between the two clubs was organized by the Angami Students’ Union in aid of Late Kekuojalie Sachü and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü Trust Fund, for whose sacrifice the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy is organized every year under the theme ‘Goal for Peace’.
CAP: Veteran football players Richard Nongneng from Meghalaya and Roko Angami from Nagaland meeting at Kohima Local Ground after 17 years on Sunday.
