ISL: Sizzling Seityasen set to shine for NorthEast United

NorthEast United got their man as they splashed 56 lakhs to buy Seityasen Singh

Unassuming, quiet and humble: three words that will probably come to mind when you glance at NorthEast United FC's prized new signing at the historic ISL auction. In the words of his mentor, Santosh Kashyap (Head Coach at Royal Wahingdoh FC) now the Assistant Coach at NEUFC, Seityasen Singh is "dedicated, talented and above all, a coach's player".

The NEUFC Management and coaching staff went into the ISL auction with a very clear and precise strategy. In a team that has a number of players who can play on the right flank (Simão, Silas), there was a need of a skilled left-footed player who could switch flanks with ease and ply his trade primarily down the left.

Seityasen fit the bill perfectly. A brilliant season with the Royals in the I-League behind him, Seityasen's stock has rapidly risen over the past few months. Six goals in 18 games and several dazzling performances have made him one of India's new stars to watch out for.

With the approval of Head Coach, César Farías and assistant coach, Santosh Kashyap, NEUFC's game-plan was, in the words of club owner, John Abraham, "to get him at all costs".

A bid of Rs 56 Lakhs was required to prise the highly rated youngster to the North-east. The 23-year-old was certainly happy with the proceedings, a huge smile adorning his face, as he hugged John Abraham and enjoyed the deluge of handshakes that came his way.

Feeling at home

Speaking to NEUFC's Media Manager after the duo managed to secure a quiet moment, the Manipur born lad professed his excitement, "I cannot tell you how happy I am. All the players in the auction had no idea who they would be picked by. I cannot speak for others, but I can tell you that I secretly wished to be picked by NorthEast United FC. The moment John (Abraham) hugged me and told me that I was badly wanted by NEUFC, I knew that I was home. I assure you that I will give everything I have for this club. I want to achieve great things with NEUFC."

Seityasen also expressed his satisfaction at the fact that he would be re-united with Santosh Kashyap once again, "It feels great to work with Santosh Sir again. He has played a very important part in my career and I have learned a lot from him. I look to deepen my excellent relationship with him."

When asked if he would miss his dearest friend Jackichand Singh who was snapped up by FC Pune City, Seityasen cheekily replied, "He is my best friend. I wish him well, but I will look to beat him when I play against him."

The shy lad also spoke about his views on how Indian football had progressed over the last year or so, "Last year I did not participate in the ISL, but I was following it with keen interest. The quality of play, the broadcasting standards and the financials involved, gave me a lot of satisfaction. Going forward, I hope that the ISL will strengthen our country’s footballing roots. I am looking forward to playing in it."

Starstruck by Simao

The diminutive winger also could not stop gushing about NEUFC's marquee player and the Head coach, "I had to pinch myself to believe that I would now be playing with Simão. He has captained Portugal and has rubbed shoulders with some of the greats in world of football. It is a dream come true for me to play with an individual of his calibre. I am also excited about playing under our Head Coach (César Farías). I know about the great work he has done with the Venezuelan National Team and I am pleased that he will be transferring all that knowledge to us."

Seityasen was all praises for the wonderful Highlanders fan-base, "I am looking forward to play in front of the NEUFC fans. They are crazy about football and I am counting on their support so that we can go all the way this season. I think we are putting together a wonderful team and together we will need all the backing that the fans can give us."

The young lad clearly has his sights set on a successful season with the Club and if we have to go by the words of his contemporaries and peers, we will see him sparkling on the grandest stage of Indian football soon.