Thongkhosiem Haokip says FPAI nomination will motivate him to work harder
Vasco:
FC Goa striker Thongkhosiem Haokip feels honoured to be nominated by the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) for the “Best Young Player of the Season” award, the result of which will be announced on the awards night on Sunday, 27 September 2015. Haokip faces competition from Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Jayesh Rane and Udanta Singh to receive the gong which he feels will motivate him to work harder.
“I’m very happy and honored that I am nominated. I feel lucky and blessed and this motivates me to work harder,” said the shy Manipuri lad. The 22-year-old scored seven goals in the I-League season 2014/15 in which he turned out for Pune FC to be recognized as the highest Indian goal scorer including a memorable hat-trick against Shillong Lajong FC.
“I will try my best and keep going on. I cannot predict my future, but I will work hard in training along with the team,” he commented. “I also want to thank my [Pune FC] team-mates and coaches who motivated and drive me forward from the time I was in the academy and in the senior team,” he added.
Sharing his thoughts on the pre-season tour in Dubai with FC Goa that he was part of, Haokip expressed feeling elated to train under Zico and Lucio. “It was a good opportunity for me to learn from Zico as well as the coaching staff and players. I learned a lot from the international players like Lucio and some Indian players also. So the experience was good for me,” he stated.
Being drafted by FC Goa to play in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), Thongkhosiem Haokip sees the opportunity as the next step for his career. “I will be watched by so many people and it will help me get noticed in such a big league. For me, it’s a great opportunity to be in FC Goa so I will always do my best and I will keep going on and help my team,” Haokip concluded.