What an I-League 3 title taught Kivilu Kiba
When FC Banaras Baghpat won the I-League 3 title and secured promotion to I-League 2 for the 2026-27 season, Nagaland’s Kivilu Kiba was part of the coaching staff behind the club’s success.
But for the assistant coach, the biggest takeaway from the championship-winning campaign goes beyond lifting a trophy.
“Don’t compete in the wrong room. Challenge yourself beyond familiar surroundings and discover your true potential,” Kiba told MT.
Serving under head coach Vivek Singh, Kiba was responsible for match analysis, player assessments and pre-season coaching. He said the coaching staff worked closely throughout the season, with responsibilities clearly distributed within the setup.
He credited the head coach’s leadership and planning as a key factor behind the team’s success, noting that a clear structure within the coaching unit helped translate ideas into performance on the pitch.
“My role was to analyse matches and report my findings. We planned the season accordingly,” he said.
Kiba added that Singh ensured a well-defined distribution of responsibilities within the staff, with a focus on detailed preparation and training design.
According to him, Banaras FC’s young squad, built with an average age of under 21, was shaped through structured recruitment and quality signings, allowing the team to remain competitive throughout the season.
Those who can handle pressure and consistently raise their standards are the ones who succeed
~ Kiba
The title-winning squad also featured Nagaland footballers Ayenmongba Chang, Hiti Seb and Hivika Zhimo. Kiba praised their contribution to the campaign, particularly during the early stages of the competition when Banaras FC remained undefeated.
“They did a wonderful job, especially in the first round where they remained undefeated. In the final round, Hiti Seb did a wonderful job that impressed everyone and played a key role in the team’s success,” he said.
For Kiba, the success of the three players carries a message for footballers back home.
“Having three Naga players in a championship-winning team sends a powerful message that our talent can compete and excel nationally,” he said.
However, he believes talent alone is not enough.
“Naga land is blessed with many talented footballers, but greatness is built through experience, exposure, discipline and a commitment to continuous growth,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in a title-winning environment, Kiba urged young footballers to seek challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones and to embrace the demands of higher-level competition.
“Develop a strong mindset, embrace challenges with resilience and learn to adapt to higher demands rather than complain about them,” he said.
According to Kiba, the difference between potential and success often comes down to professionalism and the ability to perform under pressure.
“Those who can handle pressure, maintain professionalism and consistently raise their standards are the ones who ultimately succeed at the highest level,” he said.
After winning Kerala U-17 title, Lavoryi Theluo shares lessons from coaching in Kerala
Nagaland football coach Lavoryi Theluo has guided PFC Kerala to the Kerala State Youth League U-17 title, a victory that also secured the team’s qualification for the final round of the AIFF U-18 Youth League next season.
For Theluo, however, the achievement goes beyond the trophy.
“The title means a lot. Personally, it shows all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it, and winning with this group makes it even more special,” he said.
Kerala is widely regarded as one of India’s strongest footballing states, known for its deep-rooted culture and competitive youth systems. Working in such an environment has been both challenging and transformative for the Nagaland coach.
“Kerala’s football culture is incredible… the passion here is unmatched. Kids grow up with the game in their blood,” he said.
“But being in coaching here for the first time wasn’t easy – adapting to the culture, language barrier, food habits, mindset, and many other things meant a lot of sacrifice and struggle at first. But now I’m slowly adapting.”
Beyond adaptation, Theluo believes the experience has also reshaped his understanding of football development.
“Comparing to other states, we are nowhere especially in coaching. We must learn and grow”
– Theluo
He pointed to the gap in coaching standards and infrastructure between states, stressing the need for greater exposure and long-term learning for coaches from Nagaland.
“Comparing to other states, we are nowhere especially in the field of coaching. I encourage coaches to try to get experience outside the state, focus on long-term development and keep learning,” he said.
“Unless we have qualified and quality coaches, our football won’t grow.”
Theluo believes young players must also take responsibility for their own growth, especially through exposure outside the state.
“For players, stay disciplined off the field, grab every chance to play outside the state for exposure, and let resilience be your biggest strength,” he said.
The Nagaland coach added that comparison with others often becomes a barrier to progress.
“Trust your journey and don’t compare it to others,” he said.
Reflecting on his achievement, Theluo said the title is only a step forward, not the final destination.
Congratulating his achievement, Colo Mero, President of Football Association Phek District (FAPD) called it a “a proud moment for Nagaland football”, adding that he has inspired generation of players and coaches to dream bigger and aim higher.
Nine games, two assists, four clean sheets: Hiti Seb’s I-League 3 title journey
Nine matches, two assists and four clean sheets defined Nagaland footballer Hiti Seb’s contribution to FC Banaras Baghpat’s I-League 3 title-winning campaign, as the left-back played a key role in the club’s promotion to the I-League 2 for the 2026–27 season.
Reflecting on the achievement, Seb said the success was especially satisfying because of the faith shown in him by the club.
“It feels good. The club was newly formed. It was a very young team. I got a lot of trust from the coaches and the team,” he told Mokokchung Times.
Seb joined FC Banaras after a stint with Inter Kashi’s reserve side, where he came under coach Vivek Singh, who later brought him to Banaras FC.
Asked what he learned from a championship-winning campaign, Seb pointed to qualities that go beyond talent.
“To be a champ, it takes more than talent. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work and discipline. Before the title, we were playing preseason as well,” he said.
According to Seb, the quality and experience within the squad also made a difference.
“There was something different about this team. The players were of high quality individually. There were players from the I-League and national players playing in the ISL,” he said.
The title is the latest chapter in a football journey that began when Seb left Nagaland at the age of 11 to join the Sudeva Delhi FC academy. Before moving to Delhi, he had already become the youngest player to represent Vanguard FC, making his senior debut at the age of 11.
“To be a champ, it takes more than talent – it takes discipline and hard work.” – Hiti Seb
He later joined Northeast United FC’s reserve team before moving to Inter Kashi and subsequently FC Banaras.
A former forward, Seb now play as a left-back and credited Vivek Singh for helping him make the transition smoothly.
Having spent much of his football development outside the state, Seb believes the demands of higher-level football extend beyond technical ability.
“I think what is different is in terms of physicality, quality and overall technical quality,” he said when asked about competing outside Nagaland.
For young footballers hoping to follow a similar path, Seb offered a simple message: “Sacrifice for your dream, be ready to fight and take a leap of faith.”
For Seb, the I-League 3 title represents another step in a football journey that began more than a decade ago and continues with Banaras FC’s promotion to I-League 2.
