Group matches will be tough: Officials
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 16 2024:
Manipur men's football team manager Thangjam Ibotombi has stated that the team will be facing strong opponents in their group in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship 2023-24 especially Mizoram.
Manipur team will depart on February 19 for the final round of Santosh Trophy hosted by Arunachal Pradesh from February 21 to March 9.Manipur are placed in Group B with Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mizoram and Railways and will start their campaign against Railways in February 22, followed by Maharashtra on February 24, Karnataka on February 26, Mizoram on February 29 and Delhi on March 2.Speaking to TPC about team's preparation on Friday, Th Ibotombi expressed confidence that his team is ready to face any team as they have played against these teams in the recently held National Games in Goa where Manipur finished runners-up.
He also raised apprehension that the match against Mizoram will be a tough and rough one including injuries to players considering the present turmoil in the state.
However, Ibotombi exuded confidence his players will play their best games and win the tournament.
On the other hand, team coach Thangjam Saran emphasised that the team is in the best form despite inclusion of few new players after injuries to seasoned campaigners.
The Manipur players are (goalkeepers) AB Waroibou, Thomas Sagolsem, Siddhartha Rana; (Defenders) Maibam Denny Singh, Md Rohit, Ningombam Kabiraj, Wahengbam Rojen Meitei, Shanta Yumlembam, Ayekpam Tomjoseph Singh, Soibam Abinash Singh, Sunjanthan Ragui; (midfielders) Phijam Sanathoi Meetei, Nongmaithem Sushilkumar Singh, Ngangbam Potcha Singh, Ngathem Emerson Meitei, Leimajam Shangkar Singh, Akoijam Loyangamba Meitei, Laishram Bishal Singh; and (forward) Singam Subhash Singh, Samson Salam, Pebam Rennady Singh, Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh.
The team officials include Th Ibotombi Singh (manager), Th Saran Singh (coach), Soraisham Premjit Singh (goalkeeping coach), Nandeibam Jeena Devi.