Mokokchung Times Exclusive Interview with Raithu Newmai, President of PDFA
MT: Can you give us an overview of the Peren District Football League and its significance in Nagaland football?
Newmai: The Peren District Football League (PDFL), established in 2022 and organized by the Peren District Football Association (PDFA), aims to promote professional football in the district and provide better playing opportunities for local players. The league’s second edition is set to kick off on August 17, 2024, featuring eight participating clubs.
In the broader context of Nagaland football, the PDFL aspires to be a significant contributor to the development of talented players within the state. The league serves as a crucial stepping stone for players to build their careers and progress to the State League. We are optimistic that Nagaland will soon have a well-structured football league system, with a tiered format starting from District Leagues up to the State League. While numerous major tournaments are held across various districts, establishing a proper league format is essential for advancing full-fledged professional football in Nagaland.
MT: What inspired the introduction of the player auction system in this year’s league?
Newmai: The introduction of the player auction system in this year’s PDFL was inspired by two main objectives. Firstly, it aims to create a level playing field for all participating clubs by evenly distributing district players. Secondly, the auction system ensures that deserving players have the opportunity to earn according to their playing capacity.
MT: How do you think the player auction will impact the level of competition in the league?
Newmai: The introduction of the player auction system, especially for players who have represented the district team in the past three years, is expected to significantly impact the level of competition in the league. By ensuring these players are evenly distributed among all participating clubs, the auction system will promote a more balanced and competitive environment, leading to better and more equal competition among the clubs.
MT: What criteria were used to determine the base prices for the players in the auction?
Newmai: The criteria for determining the base prices for players in the auction were based on their performance and profiles. Players who have played for the district team in the Dr. T Ao Trophy and Nagaland Olympics over the last three years were listed for the auction. Based on their performance and player profiles, they were categorized into three groups with corresponding base prices: Category A at Rs. 9000, Category B at Rs. 7000, and Category C at Rs. 5000.
MT: What initiatives does PDFA have in place to support the development of young football talent in the district?
Newmai: The Peren District Football Association (PDFA) has several initiatives in place to support the development of young football talent in the district. We are emphasizing grassroots development in schools, encouraging licensed coaches to conduct coaching camps whenever possible. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about setting up a full-time football academy in the district. These small but significant steps by the PDFA are expected to have a long-lasting impact on the development of young football talent in the district.
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MT: What challenges has PDFA faced in organizing this league, especially with the new auction format?
Newmai: Organizing the Peren District Football League (PDFL) comes with several challenges, especially in our state. Financial constraints and lack of sponsorship are ongoing hurdles that we anticipate will persist for years. However, regarding the new player auction format, we have faced fewer challenges than expected. Once the players and clubs agreed to our proposal, the main focus was on meticulously preparing contract agreements and terms and conditions that are acceptable to all parties involved.
MT: How is PDFA addressing issues related to infrastructure and facilities for the teams and players?
Newmai: Despite numerous challenges, the PDFA has been actively working to provide good infrastructure and facilities for football in the district. Unfortunately, the astro turf ground at Jalukie Town is still incomplete and not yet functional. Consequently, the 1st Edition of the PDFL was played in a village ground. This year too, we have had to use the New Jalukie Village ground, incurring significant expenses for its maintenance and for setting up makeshift structures to ensure some level of comfort for the players. We are hopeful that the astro turf ground will be completed without further delay, allowing us to host the next PDFL there.
MT: What are your long-term goals for the Peren District Football League?
Newmai: The Peren District Football League (PDFL) is a vision conceived and conceptualized by the current office bearers of the PDFA. Our long-term goal is to sustain and nurture the league to its full maturity and development, ensuring that professional football evolves in the district. While there is still a long way to go, we remain optimistic that with the support of stakeholders and well-wishers, the PDFL will become a full-fledged professional football league in the near future.
MT: How do you see the league impacting the local community and economy of Peren district?
Newmai: It is too early to comment on the economic impact of the league on the district. Currently, we are still striving to maintain the financial well-being of the league to ensure its progress. The clubs have yet to secure sponsors or see returns on their investments, and so far, everything is being done purely for the love of the game.
Regarding the impact on football players and the community of football fans in the district, I can proudly say that we are second to none in producing good footballers in the state. The fans remain as enthusiastic as ever about the game. There is a strong sense of passion, brotherhood, and unity in our district’s football community.
MT: What efforts are being made to engage with the fans and increase attendance at the matches?
Newmai: As mentioned earlier, our district has no shortage of passionate football fans. To further engage with them and increase attendance at matches, we are focusing on several initiatives. We are creating profiles for our standout players and leveraging social media to build their fan following. Additionally, we are involving various experts to enhance our publicity efforts and strengthen our media team.
In the 2022 PDFL season, we saw huge attendance at matches involving community-based clubs. Based on that experience, we are looking forward to packed attendance for most of the matches this season as well.
MT: How important is community support to the success of the league?
Newmai: Community support is crucial to the success of the league. It plays a key role in helping clubs sustain themselves financially and secure sponsorships. The overall success of the league depends on its ability to remain viable, which in turn relies on the sustained participation of the clubs. Without robust community support at all levels, the league’s sustainability and long-term success would be at risk.
Thank you Mokokchung Times for offering the opportunity to talk about our district league.
I love how you break things down so clearly.