Lajong hope to punch above their weight

Saturday, 19. September 2009 - Sanjay Kumar

Shillong Lajong FC wrote their name in the annals of Indian football when they became the first team from the North East to qualify for the I-League. They took everyone by surprise when a bunch of greenhorns pushed heavyweights like Salgaocar and Pune FC to the background and became the first team to qualify from the second division I-League.

Having made it this far, Shillong Lajong are in no mood to relent. From signing coach Stanley Rosario to guide the team to getting new sponsors and a couple of foreigners, the club has made all the right moves. And over the past few months the players too have matured and so their performance.   

Officials are certainly looking for a prolonged stint in the I-League and has sent the message across the board that their priority will be to stay afloat. The babes of Indian football will be looking to punch above their weight when they begin their I-League campaign against JCT on October 4.


Strengths

They have already proved against East Bengal in the ongoing Durand Cup that on their day they can outclass anybody. Their biggest strength is their team game. Mind you, when it comes to individual talent, they are not far behind from other teams.

In former India Under-19 and East Bengal player Aibor Khonjee, Lajong have a skipper who has seen top flight football. With Weild Mi Passah to give him company at the back, it ought to ease custodian Gumpe Rime's concerns. Players like Ayeni Bidemi Daniel, Kyrshan Lynshing - he scored the winner against East Bengal -- and young Niwan- O-'Gatpoh will sure lend some flair and discipline to the midfield.

The club is also eyeing the services of three Army XI players and foreign striker Michael Bassy, who played a crucial role in the team qualifying for the elite division, will be available right from the start of the I-League.

The biggest plus is the coach himself. His dedication and hard work paid off when the team held Mahindra United goalless and beat fancied East Bengal 1-0. He has instilled discipline and brought forth a spirit that is forcing many to sit up and take notice.


Weaknesses

They are a young side with a lot of fire in its belly but lack of experience seems to be its biggest drawback. This apart, the absence of a quality striker can affect the rhythm.

The inclusion of Saikhohao Tuboi and Bassy ought to solve Lajong's hoodoo up front but finding the net in the second division and doing the same in the top tier are not the same cup of tea and that's where the coach has to work on.


Coach's view

Stanley is held in high esteem in the football fraternity and is one of the most qualified coaches. He started his coaching stint with the Services team but soon graduated to become the Assistant Coach of India. He has had stints at East Bengal and Salgaocar last season but Shillong Lajong FC are perhaps his biggest challenge and he is game for it.

"Our main aim is to stay in the I-League this season. We have prepared ourselves very well for our maiden I-league and will surely will be able to perform well,'' said Stanley.

"In order to prepare ourselves we decided to play in the IFA Shield and Durand Cup, which has helped me assess my team in comparison to the others,'' he added.

Stanley thinks Shillong Lajong's biggest plus will be their home games. "We have a huge fan following in Shillong. It becomes a festival whenever Lajong FC are in action. It surely helps the boys to perform better and they will be eager to do well in front of thousands of fans."


Captain speaks

Aibor is of the opinion that Lajong are well prepared for the I-League and players are ready to give of their best in every match.
"We have really worked very hard over the months and will hope to give of our best in every match,'' said the captain, who other than goalkeeper Gumpe, midfielder Marling Suiting and Daniel, has played top flight football.

The captain believes they will certainly perform better in their home matches. "We played practice matches in Shillong and saw a great support for our team and this is one thing we can count on in every home game."


Key players

Aibor Khonjee, Gumpe Rime, Ayeni Bidemi Daniel, Kyrshan Lynshing, Marlangki Suiting.