Champion Vanguard FC with dignitaries and MFA officials on July 17. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 17
Vanguard FC Old Boys has emerged the champion of 10th anniversary edition of Morning Premier League (MPL) 2025 organised by Morning Football Association (MFA).
Vanguard FC clinched the champion title after topping the league table with 46th points in 18th matches during the four months long soccer journey of 10th MPL 2025. It started on April 1.
K. Neibou Sekhose, president Nagaland Football Association (NFA) handed over the champion trophy and medals to Vanguard FC at the closing ceremony on July 17 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Sekhose described ten incredible years of MPL as “A testament to the power of football and community, where friendships are forged and memories are created.”
He urged upon the MFA to maintain the enthusiasm and dedication that has driven the league’s success over the last 10 years.
Sekhose also stressed on the need to share experience and expertise with others to ensure the continued success of the league.
He said that sports signify the innate good in man and a world where all have an equal opportunity, where everything depend on ability on personal skill and efficiency, where the reward is based on merit.
“In the sport, there is no language barrier because everyone speaks one language with one rule,” he said.
Shekhose said that a good sportsperson is who accept both defeat and victory with smile and grace and he who can conduct himself with grace and dignity on and off the field.
Col. Tarun Rana, Commandant, 13th Assam Rifles and Ezhotou Keyho, Femina Miss India Nagaland 2023 also graced the closing ceremony as the special guest and gave away trophy to the individual winners.
Earlier, Unity FC defeated Kohima Police 4-2 in the last league match played today.
Mele Pucho netted all the four important goals for Unity FC while Bendang and Yingphieh netted a goal each for Kohima Police.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Mele Pucho while Ahyulo Kemp, Associate Pastor, Rengma Baptist Church Kohima invoked God’s blessings.
MFA president Burakum Ao highlighted the background of the MPL while Lipokzulu, vice president & co-founder MFA led the observance of minute silence in remembrance of those members who passed away.
Rhythm Rascals and Brooke Shitiri performed dance and special number respectively.
Lirunas was the title sponsor of 10th MPL 2025 while Department of Youth Resources & Sports assisted as venue partner, LV Enterprise- Sound partner, media partner- The Morung Express, event partner- Symphony Cafe, team sponsor- Ace Construction and Thundering Thirteen as event sponsor.
This 10th MPL edition featured 10 teams-Morung United, Merhulietsa FC, Mustang FC, Eagles FC, Vanguard FC Old Boys, Kohima Police, Morning FC, Unity FC, United Bulls FC and Classic Kickers.
The story of Morning Premier League (MPL) started during the summer of 2011 when an avid group of FIFA gamers led by departed founder Loben Jamir decided that instead of playing the virtual game, it would be healthier if they play actual football.
Then, the MPL was started in 2015 where matches are played only in the morning from 7:00 AM.
The sole purpose of MPL is to create health consciousness, friendship and competitive mentality and to promote sportsmanship in a safe, healthy and fun loving environment.
MPL is also a platform for mostly older players who are above 35 years of age and especially for football lovers not necessarily professional players.
Today, it has become a platform for knowing people and developing new friendships.
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
Best Midfielder: Adam (Eagle FC)
Best Defender: Akhe (Morning FC)
Player of the Season: Anguzo (Vanguard FC Old Boys)
Golden Glove: Avisa Chase (Vanguard FC Old Boys)
Golden Boot: Mele Pucho (Unity FC) and Benlo Kemp (Vanguard FC Old Boys)- 19 Goals each
Fair Play Award: Morung United
