DoB : 7th March, 2000
Position : Forward/Winger
District : Mon
About him:
Starting his football career at the age of sixteen for Guwahati Town Club, he went on to represent the club in the U18 I League in the year 2017. He then shifted to Kolkata as he joined Kalighat M.S. Later, he shifted to Chennai to play for the Reserve Bank of India.
Football took him further to Velsao Sports & Cultural Club in Goa and played the Goa Professional League in 2018-19. Once he had the exposure, he was giving trials all over and that is when Minerva Academy Football Club saw the talent in him and selected him for their senior team.
Since then, there has been no looking back. Laiwang represented Minerva Academy FC in Punjab League followed by Delhi FC in Delhi League, Durand Cup and I League Second Division and many more.
MTimes: Congratulations on making it to the final. How was your experience of the semi-final against Tseminyu?
Laiwang: Thank you so much. Well, Tseminyu was a tough contender and it was the semifinal match, so the pressure was there but we were just hopeful to do good. And by God’s grace and moral support from the management, team mates, friends and families back in Mon, it went well.
MTimes: I hope your injury is all good now?
Laiwang: Thank you for your concern. It’s just a minor injury and I’m all better now.
MTimes: How would you rate your team’s performance today
Laiwang: The match was intense and the pressure was high in the second half and the penalty but the team maintained an impeccable composure, so the team performance today was great. It was a ten-on-ten performance
MTimes: How prepared are you for the final? What are you looking forward to the most?
Laiwang: To get to the final has been our goal from the beginning, so we have earned that privilege through sheer determination. So, we are motivated and excited to give our all. I am looking forward to winning the title hopefully.
MTimes: How impressed are you with your team?
Laiwang: The players in our team have never played together as one prior to this tournament because of our personal obligations and work. So, we had small problems in coordination at first but eventually we managed to create a strong team. So, I think that’s impressive.
MTimes: What do you think about Dimapur’s team?
Laiwang: Dimapur is a strong team and contender. They have experienced and seasoned players and coach whom I know personally, so the final match with them will be something to look forward to.
MTimes: What has your experience in Mokokchung been like?
Laiwang: I’ve heard a lot about Mokokchung but this is my first time here. And true to the words I’ve heard, it’s an amazing place. I didn’t get to go around a lot but my experience here is amazing.