The much awaited exhibition match between the “WSSA 11” and “Baichung 11 USFC” to kick-off at 2pm on March 11 at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur is being organized in solidarity and support of grassroots football in Nagaland.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Two former Indian Football captains, Baichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh together would lock horns with the officials of Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) in an exhibition football match on March 11 at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, under “Match for a Cause”.
The much awaited exhibition match between the “WSSA 11” and “Baichung 11 USFC” to kick-off at 2pm on March 11 at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur is being organized in solidarity and support of grassroots football in Nagaland.
Briefing the media persons, Alobo Naga, proprietor of Musik-A, and one of the partners of the exhibition match informed that during the exhibition match, like minded entrepreneurs would also be reached by way of providing and promoting them through the various stalls which would be put at the venue.
Informing that the event is being powered by Atoqa Tea Factory (North East Brews Nagaland Premium Tea) and YouthNet while the event is being managed by Musik-A Events, Alobo said that the ticket holders which are priced at Rs 200 for gallery and Rs 1000 for the other category would also be valid for the musical extravaganza the same evening.
Apart from Alobo Naga, the musical evening would also witness the powerful performances by Femina Miss India 2020 finalists and also a well-known crooner of the State, Zuchobeni Thungoe, and Bollywood playback singer, NK Naga.
The Indian football legend, Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee, Bhaichung Bhutia, who is also the brand ambassador of Northeast Brews, Nagaland’s premium tea brand, and Renedy Singh, coach of East Bengal football team and former Indian football captain, Renedy Singh, have also been roped in as the advisors to Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) recently.
Also informing that as part of its CSR initiative Global Network Group, would be supporting coach training in Siliguri under the guidance of Baichung Bhutia to set up one under-14 team, WSSA vice-president, Mughapu V Yepthomi, disclosed that it would also sponsor talented players for trials in professional FC to give them the appropriate platform and support.
He said that as requested by the WSSA, Baichung and Renedy had agreed to become advisors to the association and suggested the officials to focus on the Under-14 category team of the WSSA to move up the ladder to reach national and international level.
Both the two football legends also assured support to identified talents for trials in Indian football clubs.
Further, it was learnt that Baichung Bhutia, had agreed to conduct and train basic short programme for coaches under the WSSA in order to guide the players in cluster targeted villages, preferable players under WSSA with some past experience.
Meanwhile, WSSA has informed that the tickets for the exhibition football match would be available with its officials, Nagaland Coffee, Dimapur, Herbs & Spices, ADC Court Junction, and YouthNet office, Diphupar.
It was also learnt that the Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC), an I-League Club, on March 1 conducted a residential scholarship trail in Nagaland for players under the age groups of 18. According to a source, the trails which aimed to scout best talented players from Nagaland were conducted with support from the Kohima Town Club (KTC) in order to nurture them through the residential football programme. The programme was conducted to build a “strong team” and “second-line string” for vacancies reserved in the team.