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NorthEast United may have the youngest squad in the Indian Super League but there is no dearth of talent and quality in their ranks. Perhaps one name that stands out among domestic players is versatile midfielder Boithang Haokip, who has been one of the most consistent Indian performers in the last two seasons of the I-League.
Shillong Lajong have benefitted from Haokip’s qualities in the I-League and the 23-year-old will now be looking to excel for NorthEast United in the inaugural season of the ISL.
“I am very excited to be playing in the inaugural season of the ISL. I am looking forward to the games and working hard on my fitness and training to be able to do something great for North East United,” Boithang told Sportskeeda during an exclusive chat.
Capable of playing on both flanks and strong with both feet, Boithang will be one of the key creative forces of NorthEast United. With the franchise signing Spanish World Cup winner and left back Joan Capdevila as their marquee foreigner, there is the mouth-watering prospect for Boithang to be playing ahead of the 36-year-old on the left side. Boithang though remains grounded.
“I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to play alongside Joan Capdevila. It will be a memorable experience for me but more than anything our entire team has to work and fight together to win the league,” he said.
With Shillong Lajong being the co-owners of the franchise, NorthEast United picked all their domestic players from the Meghalaya club and Boithang believes that will give them an edge over six other teams. (FC Goa have I-League club Dempo as their co-owner).
“Most of the Indian players on our team know each other well, as they have played together earlier. This will certainly be an advantage. We look forward to welcoming the international players into the team so that, like I said, we can work and fight together to bring home the title,” he added.
Boithang didn’t want to go into the details about how the ISL could revolutionise Indian football but is quite optimistic about its impact. The player himself has become a household name among followers of the domestic game, a proof of which was when he was adjudged the FPAI fans’ player of the year in 2014.
The Manipuri doesn’t feel any additional pressure because of that accolade but the thought of playing in a brand new tournament like the ISL is getting him excited.
“I am very lucky to have so many fans. It is something I am very grateful for and it is because of their unconditional support that I won the FPAI fans’ player title. For a footballer there is nothing more reassuring then having support from your fans. It keeps you motivated.
“I do not feel any pressure on myself as I know I am working hard on my game and I take every game as it comes. However I do feel a different kind of pressure from the excitement of this inaugural season of the ISL. I can’t wait for the season to start. I promise to do my best to help NorthEast United win and respond to the support of my fans,” he opined.
The ISL will not only see Indian footballers play with some of their idols but also give them the opportunity to clash against some of the top foreigners. Boithang would have loved to see Ronaldinho come to the ISL and is also looking forward to watch Alessandro Del Piero in action.
“I like Del Piero’s style especially his passing skills and finishing. I find his skills very impressive and I am excited to see him play,” Boithang stated.
NorthEast United FC have already started their preparations under head coach Ricki Herbert and Boithang is enjoying training under the former New Zealand World Cup coach.
“I had heard of Ricki Herbert before, but had never known of his style and strategy. But now we are training with him very hard every day, and his strategy for different positions, be it attack, defence or passing is helping us train better. I hope our hard work pays off,” he commented.
Boithang’s ultimate aim is of course to play for the India senior national team but for now he is focused on performing well in the ISL.
“Today where I am, all I want to do is perform as well as I can, and do my best for my team. I am already fortunate to be playing in the ISL and thus right now I am focused on contributing all that I can towards my club. If it leads to an opportunity to play in the senior national team, that would be a great achievement for me,” he concluded.
