Eighteen-year-old Hiti Seb has signed a contract with Northeast United FC for the reserve team, a club in the Indian Super League playing in the highest tier of football in India. This news was confirmed by the club through an official letter addressed to state secretaries on June 3.
The letter stated that the club completed the final round of trials in Guwahati, held from June 1 to 3. “We are excited about the potential these players hold and are committed to providing them with the best training and development opportunities. We believe that with your continued support, we can make a significant impact on the future of football in the region,” it read.
Seb’s first club, Vanguard FC, also congratulated him on signing the professional contract. They highlighted his journey from making his senior-level debut at the age of 11 during the 8th Eagles’ Trophy 2016 semi-final, to joining Sudeva Academy at 12, and playing in the Kohima Football League 2019. They noted his perseverance through injuries and the struggle for match minutes, and now, his selection for the reserve team of Northeast United FC. “Congratulations and cheers, our not-so-little-anymore champ,” stated Vanguard FC in an update.
Hiti Seb, son of Konyi Seb and Dr Shasinle Seb, plays as a central midfielder. After a successful trial, he left Nagaland for Delhi to play for Sudeva Club in 2017 at the age of 11 to groom himself and play at the highest level of football.
He was first spotted at the Football Grassroots Camp organized by the Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) at Kohima Local Ground from May 22-26, 2017, awarding him the “Most Promising Player” when Vanguard FC introduced him to the camp.
Seb became the youngest player to have represented Vanguard FC, making his senior debut at 11 during the 8th Eagles’ Trophy 2016. He was also the youngest player in the state tournament at 13 when Vanguard FC won the 3rd Kohima Football League in 2019. Now, Seb will play for Northeast United FC’s reserve team and wait for his chance to play in the senior team in the upcoming years.