The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2023 got underway today at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with MLA and General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Benei M Lamthiu as the inaugural guest.
Lamthiu while delivering his speech emphasized the significance of football and games and sports at large in the present day context, saying that they can “take you to places.” He said that the state government is working on developing football infrastructure in all the 16 districts of Nagaland and encouraged the football community not to be disheartened. He also said that football, and all games and sports, has the potential to offer employment opportunities both on and off the field, and that they can unite people.
Fourteen teams are participating in the tournament, while the inaugural match of the tournament was played between Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) and Sports Society Soyim (SSS).
Sunep Lemtur and Lenen Jamir enthralled the spectators during the opening ceremony while tournament co-convener Akok Longkumer delivered the welcome address.
Significantly, Lamthiu was accompanied by Yangtibe Sangtam, president of Tuensang District Football Association; Talamong Khiamniungan, general secretary of Noklak District Football Association; Zuhing Khiamniungan, president of Pathso Range Students’ Union, Noklak; and a host of dignitaries. Lamthiu concluded his speech in Ao language, demonstrating his maternal relation to Mokokchung.
NFA Gen Secy clarifies on ‘rumors regarding banning of players’
MLA and General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Benei M Lamthiu on 17 October addressed the ongoing issue regarding the potential banning of some players by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
Lamthiu acknowledged the issue stating, “There have been lots of rumors going on regarding suspension of some players. For that, our office has not come out with an order yet.” He further declared that the NFA has set up a disciplinary action committee which we will be meeting “within a week or two” and added that whatever action needs to be taken against the players will be decided then, “depending on the situation.”
It may be noted that NFA has on 4 October issued a show cause notice to 16 players who were reported to have not attended the selection trial camp “without prior intimation or obtaining proper permission.”
It may be added here that the NFA had asked the 16 players to either appear in person or provide a written explanation for their absence within the next seven days. Additionally, they were expected to provide a valid reason justifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
“The matter will be resolved soon and will be made known to all football fraternities through social and print media,” the NFA General Secretary said.
Lamthiu said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the MDFA Trophy 2023 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Tuesday, 17 October. Meanwhile, concerns have emerged within the Nagaland football community as unconfirmed reports circulated regarding the potential banning of those 16 players by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
NFA to propose state football league
MLA and General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Benei M Lamthiu today said that the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) will shortly be meeting CM Rio and lay down a proposal of coming up with a State Football League. Lamthiu said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the MDFA Trophy 2023 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
He said, “We as a state association with support from all 16 district associations, players and the public, we are trying our best to uplift football. Shortly, we will be meeting our CM and going to lay down on his table a proposal of coming up with a state football league which I believe will boost and provide better Infrastructure for young people who want to pursue their career in football.”
Debutants KSUM register win over old guards SSS in tournament opener
The inaugural match of MDFA Trophy 2023 was played between debutants Konyak Students Union Mokokchung (KSUM) and the seasoned Sports Society Soyim (SSS). SSS, the only team to have participated in every MDFA Trophy since its inception in 1993, faced an impressive challenge from KSUM.
The game began at a leisurely pace, with limited action in the initial stages. It took a good 30 minutes before either team showed any signs of breaking the deadlock. However, Khampei, representing KSUM, provided the first breakthrough of the tournament. He netted his first goal in the 35th minute, followed by a second in the 60th minute to complete his brace. Kapzei T quickly joined in, scoring his first goal just four minutes after Khampei’s first goal. The first half concluded with KSUM leading 2-0.
In the second half, SSS rallied to regain ground, with Shiponglemba scoring a goal in the 48th minute. Nonetheless, Kapzei T added to his tally with a second goal in the 76th minute, extending KSUM’s lead to 4-1. While Shilumayang managed to find the back of the net for SSS in the 86th minute, it was not enough for them to salvage a point from the game. The match concluded with a score of 4-2 in favor of the debutants.
The physicality of the game led to bookings, with Shenpa N and Lempha of KSUM, as well as Akangkokba of SSS, receiving yellow cards for their involvement in foul play.