Left to right, Lalminkai Thomson, Asa Ayemi and Nitoka Tamang at Dimapur airport after returning back from a week long training camp at Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 11
Three young players from Nagaland who had undergone a week-long training camp at one of Germany’s top football clubs, Eintracht Frankfurt returned back to the state on June 11 where they were accorded a warm welcome at Dimapur airport.
The players, Asa Ayemi (12 years) from Honili Memorial Higher Secondary School, Nitoka Tamang, (11 years) and Lalminkai Thomson (12 years) both from Green Wood School were part of 17 other players (Under 13) selected by Big Hit and Bundesliga International from India. The first selection trails were held in Dimapur organised by Dimapur Sporting Club and later at Mumbai for the final round during the month of April. This has been done as part of Bundesliga’s Dream Initiative to identify and scout young talents from across the country.
“Five of the boys were selected, from where the organisers gave them a one month time period to make their visas and other necessary documents,” Yongsen Jamir, Managing Director of Dimapur Sporting Club said.
Unfortunately two of the players were unable to make it for the first round of coaching camp at FC Augsburg due to incomplete visa documents.
Nevertheless, we are waiting for the feedbacks from the German coaches, Jamir added. Based on their performances, the boys have the chance to get officially scouted by the German club, from where they could potentially get to play in the Bundesliga.
He also revealed that more trials could possibly be held in future dates for Under 15 and 16 players as well.
Sharing their experiences, Nitoka Tamang, who was selected as goalkeeper, said the training camp had been immensely helpful, providing them with both practical and theoretical classes, off the pitch. “I do not know if I will get selected but I performed very well,” he opined.
Asa ayemi, playing as midfield, meanwhile said he was extremely impressed with their football field where they had practiced.
For Lalminkai Thomson, attacking midfield, the skill level in Germany was very different compared to the ones in India. “The coaches and players were all very experienced,” he noted.
