Football in Nagaland has long struggled due to the lack of grassroots development, but former Shillong Lajong FC goalkeeper and AFC C-licensed coach Neithovilie Chalieu is determined to change that. With a passion for nurturing young talent, he has co-founded the Medziphema Football Academy with a clear vision: to provide underprivileged and aspiring footballers with the structured training they never had growing up.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Neithovilie shared that he had always dreamed of starting an academy, as there were no structured grassroots training programs during his childhood. He expressed his desire to provide opportunities for young, underprivileged players who lack access to proper football education.
While he has not completely retired from professional football, Neithovilie stated that his primary focus will now shift toward his coaching career. He acknowledged that while Nagaland’s football scene has not changed significantly over the years, there has been gradual improvement. He hopes that through this academy, young players can be trained from the grassroots level, contributing to the overall development of football in the state.
According to Neithovilie, Nagaland lags behind other states in football development due to a lack of facilities and academies. However, he believes that by establishing more academies and implementing structured training, Nagaland can catch up with the rest of the country.
The team behind Medziphema Football Academy
The Medziphema Football Academy was founded by four individuals with diverse backgrounds in football and sports education:
· Neithovilie Chalieu – Former Shillong Lajong I-League player, AFC C-licensed coach, and current NSL player-assistant coach of Red Scars.
· Khriese Terhüja – A prominent player, a graduate in Physical Education, and a licensed coach.
· Neichülie Nagi – A youth leader and veteran footballer.
· Thangboi Thomsong – Responsible for the academy’s administration.
The founders emphasized that their goal is to train young footballers from an early stage, ensuring they develop strong fundamentals to progress in their careers. They also aim to provide talented players with opportunities to explore professional leagues such as the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL).
Medziphema: A footballing hotbed
Known as ”Little Brazil” for its deep-rooted football culture, Medziphema has produced several state and I-League players, including Visalie Mezhü, who played for Churchill Brothers, and Neithovilie Chalieu, who played for Shillong Lajong. Recognizing this rich football history, the founders saw the need to provide structured grassroots training in the region.
Neithovilie mentioned that while he will encourage young players to pursue football at the youth level, he will not push them toward professional careers unless they meet the physical demands of the sport. He acknowledged that physicality plays a crucial role at the professional level and that players must be prepared for those challenges.
With the motto ”Strive for Greatness,” the Medziphema Football Academy aims to develop future footballers who will not only excel in their careers but also contribute to raising the standard of football in Nagaland.