ISL side North East United FC sign two promising youngsters

Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Zuala at their unveiling

Ahead of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL,) North East United Football Club (NEUFC) declared the signings of the country’s top-notch football talent, Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Lallianzuala Chhangte (Zuala) from the LFC-DSK Academy. The two sports stars were previously selected for training at Liverpool Football Club (LFC) and Melwood Training Ground, a feat unrivaled thus far.

NorthEast Football Club, owned by Film Actor, Producer, John Abraham has been gearing up for the upcoming third edition of Hero Indian Super League. They had previously released a statement of intent, in regards to appointing Brazilian Football Manager, Sergio Farias as the Head Coach. Now, signing the two most promising football stars in the country, Jerry and Zuala, the NEUFC has furthered raised the bar.

Further commenting about signing country’s top football talent, John Abraham, Owner of NorthEast United FC said, “I am elated to have Jerry and Zuala on-board, ahead of the Hero Indian Super League. I have closely followed their game in the previous editions and have tremendous respect for their skills. I extend a hearty welcome to both Jerry and Zuala and wish good luck to all our team members.” 

Elucidating the same thought, Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy, Director of Football for NEUFC said, “Both Jerry and Zuala have displayed tremendous promise in the Football arena and have received coaching from the likes of Liverpool Football Club, based solely on their merit. Their addition to NEUFC is of utmost value to us. We are hopeful that the combined synergies of Jerry and Zuala, along with our new Head Coach, Sergio Farias and the rest of the team, will help us deliver scintillating results in the third edition of Hero Indian Super League.”

Both the lads are a product of the LFC-DSK Academy in Pune. The academy has played a huge role in nurturing and training these two prodigies. The Liverpool and DSK synergy is clearly working, as proven by the emergence of these two emerging youngsters. 

LFC-DSK Coach, Dave Rogers, who has played a vital role in their development could not hide his joy, “Today is a proud moment for us all at the LFC-DSK international Academy and even more special for Jerry and Zuala. To be joining such a wonderful club and representing NorthEast United FC in this year's ISL is another milestone in their short but already blossoming careers.”

Rogers believes that this is the right place for the duo to take the next step. “We wanted Jerry and Zuala to carry on their development at the right environment where they will have the same freedom and enjoyment as they have in our academy and there is no better place to do that than representing their very own Northeast. Jerry and Zuala are down to earth and level-headed boys and I am sure they will embrace this opportunity and take it in their stride and work hard to make this a success and carry on progressing in their football,” said Rogers.

Mr Shirish Kulkarni, Executive Director, DSK Group and Chairman, DSK Shivajians FC, echoed Dave’s sentiment, “We are delighted with the progress Lallianzuala and Mawihmingthanga have made since they joined us. Their selection goes on to credit the Liverpool FC International Academy - DSK Shivajianspartnership.

Lallianzuala and Mawihmingthanga are hardworking players who believe in doing their best every time an opportunity comes by. Commitment in training and during matches has paid off for this huge leap. It is a matter of great pride for us that the players who have already represented India will now take their first steps into professional football with such a reputed ISL franchise”

Lallianzuala Chhangte debuted as a striker at SAFF Cup for the Indian National Football Team, has been in the finest form all throughout Under 18 I-League. Jerry Mawihmingthanga, after essaying a key role in the U-18 Indian National Team at FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy, has established himself as a national hero, after scoring goals for the nation in critical games.