Vanguard FC Old Boys win Morning Premier League Season 10 title

KOHIMA — The Vanguard FC Old Boys emerged as champions of the Morning Premier League (MPL) Season 10 on Thursday. The league was kicked off at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on April 1, with a total of 10 teams participating.

The closing ceremony was attended by Neibu Sekhose, president of the Nagaland Football Association; Tarun Rana, Commandant of 13 Assam Rifles; and Ezhotou Keyho, Femina Miss India Nagaland 2023.

The Best Defender was given to Akhe (Morning FC), the Best Midfielder was awarded to Adam Panmei (Eagle FC), the Fair Play Award went to Morung United FC, the Golden Glove was presented to Avisa Chase (Vanguard FC Old Boys), the Golden Boot was shared by Mele Pucho (Unity FC) and Benlo Kemp (Vanguard FC Old Boys) with 19 goals each, and the Player of the Season award was presented to Anguzo Phira (Vanguard FC Old Boys).

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In his short speech, Sekhose congratulated the participants and said that sports signify the innate good in man and a world where all have an equal opportunity, where everything depends on ability, skill, and efficiency, and where the reward is based on merit.

He said that one needs discipline to carry out activities in life in order to be successful and that discipline works best when it is self-imposed rather than externally imposed.

He asserted that team sports like football teach important life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management, citing that as players collaborate to achieve a common goal, they learn to value individual strengths while recognising the significance of collective effort.

Advising the players and organisers of the MPL to set new goals, he urged them to stay passionate and pass on their knowledge to others to ensure the league’s continued success.

Burakum, president of the MPL, and Lipokzulu, vice president and co-founder of the MPL, also delivered short speeches during the programme. A dance by Rhythm Rascals and a special song by Brooke Shitiri were also performed.

It was announced that the top six teams of the MPL 2025 will compete in the Morning Champions Cup (MCC), which will begin next week. The ninth- and tenth-placed teams have been eliminated from the MPL 2026. Four new teams will play in the MCC to qualify for the MPL 2026.