Despite back-to-back victories in the ongoing Dr T Ao Trophy in Kohima, Yimya Jamir, the manager of the Mokokchung football team, expressed cautious optimism while acknowledging the need for better on-field execution.
“We are very happy that we won Wokha—it was a very tough team,” said Jamir in an interview with MT following the second match. He described the victory over Kiphire as less emotionally satisfying compared to the Wokha match. “Although we are happy, [the Kiphire win] could not create the feeling like we did by winning Wokha. The Kiphire team were good but they had certain weaknesses.”
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Jamir admitted that the team has not yet lived up to the expectations set during their intensive pre-tournament preparation. “Before the trophy, we had a rigorous coaching camp for two months continuously. We worked really hard and the players put on their best performance in the practice field,” he said. “However, currently on the field, the players have not been able to implement even 25% of what we practiced. This has been a concern for us.”
He pointed out that the coaching team has been deliberating on whether the underperformance stems from pressure or self-doubt. “The coaches, including the team, have been wondering whether it is the pressure or doubts that they are unable to give what they have practiced.”
Looking ahead, Jamir said the team remains hopeful about qualifying for the quarterfinals. “There are three days more left for our final league match, so we hope to give 100% on the final league match against Phek. We plan on training for the next three days.”
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However, the manager also noted a lack of crowd support in the state capital. “The support for the Mokokchung team has been quite low in the capital so far,” he observed.
Speaking about the team’s approach, he said, “Each and every player was selected based on their position, and the team expects that each one delivers on their respective roles.”
With one match left in the league stage, Mokokchung will be aiming to finish strong and secure a spot in the quarter finals.
