New zonal competition plan aims to build structure and expand participation across Mokokchung district
Bendangnukshi, Vice President (Technical) of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), outlined the association’s vision to elevate football in the district to a more professional level, emphasizing that “football is an industry in itself,” in an interview with Mokokchung Times.
Highlighting one of the key challenges, he observed the lack of strong public engagement in football. “At the moment, there isn’t good attraction in football in Mokokchung. We all need some thorough research on football philosophy,” he stated.
When asked about sustaining football in the district, Bendangnukshi noted that opportunities remain limited outside the inter-ward football tournament and MDFA Trophy and among individuals who are genuinely passionate about the sport. While smaller tournaments such as those in Longjang and the biennial Marsosang Trophy do take place, he pointed out that there is no consistent football calendar throughout the year.
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To broaden participation, the MDFA has divided the district into nine zones, as earlier reported by this newspaper. Bendangnukshi explained that the plan is for each zone to host its own zonal competition, with the top two teams from every zone qualifying for the MDFA Trophy. This, he said, is aimed at creating a more structured and competitive football framework in the district.
Acknowledging that more work remains to be done, Bendangnukshi said the association is taking initial steps to “improvise and turn football more professional” in Mokokchung.
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On the technical front, the ongoing MDFA Trophy 2025 features 12 officiating referees, including four licensed officials and eight grade holders. Within the MDFA, 15–19 individuals are certified coaches; however, in the current tournament, only one or two team coaches hold certification. He expressed hope that these technical aspects will continue to improve in the coming years.
