Kovi Meyase, Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, and others with the
players and management of Sechü Zubza Football Club at Shalom Bible Seminary,
Sechü Zubza, on Sunday.(EM Images)
SECHÜ ZUBZA — Ahead
of the start of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Sechü Zubza Football Club
(SZFC) launched its official kit on Sunday at Spicer Hall, Shalom Bible
Seminary, Sechü Zubza.
The Secretary of Excise and Prohibition, Kovi Meyase, who
attended the event as the special guest, expressed optimism about the league’s
potential to elevate football in Nagaland to new heights.
Kovi emphasised the evolution of sports as a global
industry, particularly highlighting football’s immense popularity and economic
impact. He remarked that football was not just a passion but a worldwide
business, noting that some of the richest football clubs rival multinational
corporations in terms of revenue and influence.
Referring to Nagaland’s growing enthusiasm for the sport,
Kovi praised local talent and sports administrators for rising to the challenge
of fostering professional football.
He said the Nagaland Super League signified the coming of
age for football in Nagaland. While it may be a humble beginning compared to
other states, he noted that it was a significant initiative for the state. He
pointed out that the prize pool of the NSL is worth more than INR 1 crore and
extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners who had made the league
possible.
Honoured guest Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, president of the
Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), acknowledged the state government
for introducing the NSL, stating that it is likely to be successful for years
to come.
He advised the local players playing for SZFC to be
disciplined and strive to perform well to secure their future with better teams
and better payments.
Yhome also acknowledged the guest players and requested them
to help the local players feel comfortable by sharing their experiences and
skills, given their vast expertise.
Viketouzo Meyase, CEO of SZFC for the Nagaland Super League,
shared that SZFC was established in 2018 and has already achieved several
milestones, with plans for further progress.
He stated that SZFC has been striving to nurture footballers
from across the state. The club decided to participate in the inaugural NSL to
expose its players and management to new horizons and further promote football.
Highlighting that Sechü Zubza Football Club comprises 36
members, the CEO detailed the club's management structure. He acknowledged the
official sponsors—KKB Rulho, Majena Infra Project (MIP)—and the official
partners Footrax, Hummel, and Fast Up, as well as G-Sports and Spectrum
Printers, for their support.
He also acknowledged the players from Manipur, Meghalaya,
and Nagaland who accepted the offers to represent SZFC.
Furthermore, the CEO announced that the players of SZFC
would also be called "The Gayals," which is the scientific name for
Mithun. He added that Mithun do not fight with their heads but are experts in
fighting with their legs and feet, drawing a symbolic connection to football.
On the occasion, the SZFC theme song, written by Viketouzo
and composed by Kevisekuo Sechü, assistant professor at the Margaret Shikshak
School of Music, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), was also released.
Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü, CFO of SZFC for the NSL,
introduced the official sponsors and partners and presented the SZFC squad for
the league.
The players for SZFC are goalkeepers Horlan Shimray, P Angki
Konyak, and Homuka Yeptho; defenders Paolenmang Tuboi, Menoneikho Nakhro,
Zeaneikho Miasalhou, Atlanson Kharmaw, Wede Mero, Kevisekho Miasalhou, Puloka G
Swu, Kevisalie Sechü, and Aneizo M Suokhrie; midfielders Pynbha Suiting, Sangti
Shianglong, Khiuwangbo Kaurinta, Kikrusezo Kimho, Ketouselie Miasalhou,
Vimegolie Kire, Kuvezo Vero, and Rokovituo Nipu; forwards Pursunep Paga, Amun
Munsaham, Kevizolie Kin, Limakumzuk, Thejasetuo Gwirie, Zasevikho Miasalhou,
Sentisang, Rokoselie Rhitso, Rhitsho Mero, and Shano Tariang.
The team management includes Kezhasezo Sechü as team
manager, Diethozotuo Sechü as head coach, Visakholie Medoze as assistant coach,
Neikethozo Rino as physiotherapist, Ketouzokho Nagi as assistant
physiotherapist, and Vizobeilie Punyu as physical trainer.
