Veteran forward reflects on his career, calls for merit-based and eyes a future in coaching
“This is not a goodbye to football entirely, but it is my last match as a player representing FATD. If only the FATD invites me, I am willing to return as a coach.”
These were the words of Yhunshalo Kemp, one of Nagaland’s most prolific forwards, in a conversation with Mokokchung Times after playing his final district-level match for the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) against Meluri.
Nicknamed the “Goal Scoring Machine,” Kemp is also the current coach of Vanguard FC Tseminyu. At 37, he said the decision to retire was shaped by personal and professional reasons.
“I’m married now, and it’s difficult to keep travelling for matches. I also find it hard to manage both roles—coach and player—equally,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Kemp said some of the most cherished moments were not just the matches, but the experiences they came with. “As players, getting to travel across districts and states was a great experience. The support, love, and respect we received wherever we went—that’s something to truly cherish,” he said. “One good thing about football is that it’s not an individual game. It’s a team sport. That’s what makes it even more memorable.”
Asked about the future of football in Nagaland, Kemp is hopeful. “During our time, football was something we played but didn’t really take seriously. But this younger generation has a lot of scope. They can play outside, and Nagaland as a team can come together, be strong, and represent the state altogether.”
He also expressed gratitude to his coaches, particularly at the state level. “They always told us to focus on the 3Ds—dedication, determination, and discipline. That really helped. They kept motivating and inspiring us.”
But Kemp also pointed to one persistent issue in Nagaland football: favouritism. “We should give opportunities to those who deserve it, not based on favouritism. I’ve come across such incidents in my footballing career, and I wish we could change that,” he said.
“I really just want to thank the organizers, the FATD, the football fraternity, the media, and the supporters for all the love shown to me. I don’t know whether I deserve it or not, but thank you for all the warm gestures,” he said.
While Kemp’s decision to retire had already been made, he made sure to leave his mark one last time on the field.
In his farewell fixture, Kemp scored two goals to lead Tseminyu to a 3-1 win over Meluri in Match 19 of the ongoing Dr T Ao Trophy. The victory wasn’t enough for Tseminyu to progress, but the match will be remembered for Kemp’s final appearance as a player.
Leading the side as captain, he was felicitated by FATD Vice President Chenonlo Woch before the match. After the final whistle, players from Meluri, Tseminyu, and Niuland lined up to give Kemp a guard of honour—an emotional tribute to a remarkable career.
Though Kemp’s playing days are over, his legacy—and his willingness to return as coach—ensures his presence in Nagaland football is far from over.
