Five Naga footballers come home to launch Dimapur Division League
Ashikho Pfuzhe
Dimapur | December 5
They are a in a league of their own when it comes to displaying prowess and skills in the football pitch.
But the COVID-19 pandemic brought them together to set their sights on a common goal - the Dimapur Division League (DDL) which they launched in October this year.
Meet Wonito Akashe Zhimomi, Kevilhulie Zakiesato, Tove Hokato Zhimomi, Hitova Ayemi and Inonito Ghukhui Zhimomi, the five young Naga footballers who have left their boot prints both in the national and international football turfs.
“Our main goal (in launching DDL) is to provide a platform to the young Naga footballers who are hungry to learn and acquire skills,” said Wonito whose last stint was with the Mohammedan Sporting Club as a central defensive midfielder.
Wonito who stayed with Mohammedan SC for two years first played in the under 18 I-League for a season before being promoted to the senior team to play the Kolkata League. He said his most memorable experience in the field was playing against the Mohun Bagan Athletic Club senior team.
“We have lots of untapped talents but due to lack of infrastructure and platforms, they are not able to showcase their talents. Hence there are no scouts who are willing to come to Nagaland,” the 21-year-old former ‘Black Panthers’ midfielder said.
“Through this league we are optimistic that in the coming years, our players in DDL would make it to the highest level of football in India,” he added.
24 year-old Tove Zhimomi, a midfielder who trained in Spain and played for Nervion FC and Montequinto FC said football is growing in India and that most of the states now have their own leagues, which lasts for at 3-5 months.
“Sadly, our state has still to come up with its own league. It’s practically impossible for a player to go to one state to play for 3-5 months and again go to a different state to play in a different league,” Tove said.
Tove who returned to India and played in the Kolkata league for two seasons said the main reason why leagues are needed is because tournaments are only for a short span after which players lose interest.
“Leagues help a player to build consistency and focus for a longer period of time, which are very important for a person aspiring to be a footballer and that’s what DDL is all about,” he added.
Tove said his most memorable match was during his second season in Spain where he played against Seville U-19, which consisted of players who are currently playing in La Liga.
Kevilhulie Zakiesato, who will be celebrating his 23rd birthday on December 15, started playing soccer at the age of seven. After his training stint at Arsenal Academy, Delhi, Kevi went to Portugal and played for Estoril Praia FC (U-23).
“I came back home due to the pandemic and now I don’t want to go abroad again so I’ve terminated my contract with Estoril,” Kevilhulie said.
The versatile lad who can switch positions as right winger, left winger and central defender said his dream match was when he played against Benifica, Lisbon.
Inonito Ghukhui Zhimomi, who takes the role of winger or striker, trained under Deutsches Fussball Internat (DFI) Academy and played for Tus Badaibling under the Bayern League.
“Despite the fact that Nagas are very talented when it comes to football, some common drawbacks are lack of dedication and discipline towards the sport. Also Nagaland doesn’t have a structured league nor do we have the facilities and infrastructures to help our local players”, said 23-year-old Inonito who is currently under Eric Benny Sports Management (EBSM)
For 23 year-old Hitova Ayemi, the football journey began when he joined Shillong Lajong FC at the age of 15. After his short stint with Lajong FC, Hitova went to South Korea for further training and upon his return, played for Fateh Hyderabad AFC and DSK Shivajians Football Academy.
While in DSK, he played in the Durand Cup for the senior team. Hitova also represented Minerva Punjab in the I-League.
