Kevithuto Sophie with organizer, match officials and players of the first match
New Market FC wins opening match against Crimsoune Club
Nyithong Magh- first hat-trick scorer of the tournament.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 16
New Market FC today registered win over Crimsoune Club 10-1 in the opening match of Kohima Super Cup 2022 here at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
Nyithong Magh of New Market FC registered the first hat-trick scorer of the tournament.
Limakumzuk Ao and Gideon Leo netted two goals each while Haotinmang Thomsong, Visalie Mezhii and Rhitsho Mero contributed a goal each for New Market FC.
A lone goal for Crimsoune Club came through Selhouvi Belho.
'Upgrade the standard of the players'
Earlier, gracing the opening ceremony as the special guest, Kohima Senior Superintendent of Police Kevithuto Sophie stressed on the need to upgrade the standard of the players.
He said that Nagas are ardent football lovers “but sustenance as such is not there.”
“We do not have firms to sponsor or to sustain the game,” he said.
He informed that the neighbouring state Manipur has the most number of players in the ISL and they are making a living out of it.
However, he said “But as for Nagas, what we find now is, we take it as part time job.”
“It is high time we also try our best and try to get engage with the national or even international level,” he said.
Sophie requested the organizer to identity young uprising players and give exposure in order to draw the attention of the big clubs in the country or internationally.
We may have some good players but unless they get exposure, the big clubs would not notice them, he said.
In this, Sophie asked the Kohima Town Club to identify certain promising players and approach the government to sponsor them.
He also called upon the footballers not to take the game as leisure or part time job but to take on serious and professional note.
Further, Sophie challenged the footballers belonging to different clubs and communities in this tournament to foster unity, brotherhood and friendship among the Naga community as well as other communities staying in the state.
‘Making football a sustainable industry’
Kohima Town Club (KTC) president Dr. Viketoulie Pienyii that the club has chosen “Making football a sustainable industry” as the theme of the tournament.
For football to be made sustainable, we must take it to the community, he said.
Dr. Pienyii said that the government must help the organizers and club owners since there not many corporates “who are willing to help us.”
The government should also pressure the corporates to help the organizers and club owners, he added.
He called for building a fan base and die-hard football lover base in the state.
He also stressed on the need to produce some local stars, adding “Our local stars also need to be disciplined and dedicated and they also should not demand too high fees.”
Earlier, organizing committee convenor Zedikuolie Kire delivered welcome address. Medolenuo Ambrocia Luocii compered the opening ceremony while Viriezhiinuo Solo presented a special number.
Roko Angami, president Nagaland Football Coaches Association and several other dignitaries also present at the opening ceremony.
17 teams have registered for this tournament and it will continue till May 31.
May 17 Matches
Ist Match: 11:30 AM
Yhome FC vs United Brothers
2nd Match: 1:30 PM
Barak FC vs Wolves XI FC
