The Nagaland Senior Football Team has come together to play for one last time at the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy this year. It has been learned that many of the footballers will be hanging up their boots after the tournament. This group of players has made a name for themselves in the Nagaland football scene by participating in events such as the Nagaland Premier League, NSF Trophy, Royal Cup, Classic Club, Captain Kenguruse Trophy, Loyem Trophy, MDFA Trophy, Chizami Cup, and more.
However, now it’s time for these players to take the field for one final dance in football together. The “End of Era Club” was formed in the month of June this year by a few like-minded footballers who wanted to come together and play one last time.
Ating Tingnyek Konyak said, “Initially, 5-6 of us came up with the idea of participating in a major tournament (Nagaland) for the last time in style.” The meeting was fruitful, and they decided to compete in the prestigious NSF Martyrs Trophy scheduled to be held from 18 September at IG Stadium Kohima.
“We’ve been involved in football for a very long time, bringing laurels to the state as well. This will be our last dance, and although it will be difficult, we are determined to do so,” narrated Ating Konyak. This group of players has been participating in state tournaments since 2007, with the exception of Velukho Rhakho, who started ahead of them.
They hope that by participating in the tournament, they will inspire the younger generation to approach football with the goal of achieving greater heights rather than just for leisure. Ating Konyak described it as a “game of hope.”
While some of the players might continue playing in tournaments, it has been learned that around 15 of the players will be retiring from competitive-level matches. They hope that the team will foster brotherhood, togetherness, love, and a passion for the game, all with the common aim of winning in life as well.
The probable list for End of Era squad:
Goal Keeper
1. Ate Koza
Defenders
2. Olando
3. Velukho Rhakho
4. Konyak
5. Mütüzo
6. Stephen Rutsa
Midfielders
7. Kekhrie Tsira
8. Ating Konyak
9. Alo
10. Victor
Wingers
11. Dodo Sekhose
12. Nyithong Magh
13. Mengu
14. Khwetelhi Thopi
Strikers
15. Imlong Chaba
16. Salu
17. Kivi Zhimomi
18. Kumzuk
