Confident Rangdajied United All Set For I-League U-19 Debut

February 3, 2014:

Rangdajied United Under-19 Team

It's the time of the year when Indian football aficionados have lots to ponder over. Even before the Federation Cup mania could sink in, Santosh Trophy grabbed all the eyeballs and along with it, the fever for I-League U-19 has started to heat up. With the junior competition getting a makeover this year, Shillong will have three teams to cheer for - Shillong Lajong FC, Rangdajied United FC and Royal Wahingdoh FC. These three teams will have Green Valley FC from the neighbouring city, Guwahati, to compete with in the Shillong Zone.

Making a mark for the very first time in these event, like its seniors who qualified for the I-League this season, will be the Rangdajied United FC U-19 team. The U-19 team was formed right after Rangdajied United won the I-League 2nd Division last year, with an aim to form a supply line to the senior team. Even within a year, the project started reaping benefits with many of the U-19 boys representing the senior team in the Shillong Premier League, which Rangdajied United FC won without being beaten in any of the game.

Those who were not part of the senior team have other laurels to brag about. Most were part of the Rangdajied team that had finished runners up in the Shillong Premier League U-19 last year. And if any of them have still missed the runners up bus, they were with the Meghalaya team (OM Memorial Secondary School), which lifted the Subroto Cup U-17 in New Delhi last November.

Hence, "The Chosen Boys" are going into the junior I-League with lots of confidence and experience behind them. Another speciality about the Rangdajied U-19 team is that, it is completely formed with local boys. "None of them are from outside Meghalaya," assistant coach, Lekini Suting points out. "This gives us an added advantage as they all gel well, speak common language and have similar frame of mind, culture, living habits and standards. And all these translate very well on their field performance," Suting added.

Mebanshan Suting, who turned 17 just few months back, is one of the many player to look out for in the tournament. "It feels great that we will be playing in a national level tournament and we will give our best shots to come out the winner. We have practiced hard, trained hard and so there is nothing to fear. We will just have to perform according to how our coach plan," said Suting, who was adjudge the best player in the Subroto Cup.

Bisharlang Kharumnuid, who stands like a rock in Randajied's last line of defence, too shares the same sentiments. "We know our opponents well. We have played with them time and again. So, at least the Shillong Leg shouldn't be a big problem for us. We are confident," the skipper, who had featured regularly for the senior team in Shillong Premier League said.

Talking about their training and fitness regime, Mr Suting said, "We train for 4-5 days a week where football methods, skills and tricks hold prime importance. On the physical aspect, we focus on agility, speed and endurance." Having imbibed what they have been taught, it's just a matter of days before boys put their learning to tests, in what would so far be the biggest tournament for them. Rangdajied will start their campaign against rivals Shillong Lajong in the opening match of the Shillong Leg at the Third Ground in Polo.

Jersey for the event was unveiled today at the Polo Ground and a 25-member squad for the same was also announced on the occasion.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Melverick Nongkhlaw (1), Sunshine Kharmuti (29), Ferdinand Makri (30).

Defenders:
Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri (22), Mynjurlang Nongkseh (19), Mebankhraw Wahlang (21), Overjoy Syiemsad (5), Greatstar Nongneng (6), Bisharlang Kharumnuid (Captain) (20), Pynkhrawbok Kurbah (2), Pynskhem-i-tre Dkhar (3).

Midfielders:
Eddie Basaiawmoit (13), Donborlang Nongkynrih (14), Reson Malngiang (11), Evestarly Rynjah (17), Jeson Malngiang (16), Banshanlang Nongdhar (15), Marchstarfield Marbaniang (8), Bobbystar Malngiang (7), Belton Lartang (9).

Forwards:
Jefferson Nongrud (12), Michael Kurbah (18), Sheen Steven Sohktung (10), Mebanshan Suting (4), Gameliel Kharlyngdoh (23).

Officials:
Coach: Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh
Asst. Coach: Lekini Suting
Manager: Arki Myliem Umlong
Asst. Managers: Rei Umdor and Rogest Basaiawmoit
Physio: Jonathan Kharbudnah