Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 13
The upcoming Dimapur District Football League-cum-Late Hejeto Memorial Trophy will serve as the official scouting ground to assemble the Dimapur district squad for next month’s Dr T Ao Trophy in Mokokchung, according to Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) President Mughato Aye.
Addressing a press conference at the DDSC Stadium, on September 13, Aye stated that the eight-team tournament complies with All India Football Federation (AIFF) league guidelines and will feature individual match honors sponsored by Nili Nissan alongside real-time match tracking via digital partner Sportsmetrics.in.
Aye said the association has appointed two coaches who will serve as official selectors to observe every match of the competition. The scouts will shortlist an initial pool of 25 to 30 players based on league performances. Following a one-week coaching camp, a final 20-member squad will be selected to represent Dimapur district at the Dr T Ao Trophy, scheduled to kick off in Mokokchung on October 12.
Meanwhile, the district league will kick off on September 15 at the DDSC Stadium. The opening ceremony is scheduled at 2:30 pm. Entry to the venue will be free of charge for the public on the opening day, while subsequent fixtures will carry a nominal gate fee of Rs 20.
The eight participating clubs are Haiku Youth FC, Don Bosco Sports Academy, Kachari Sports FC, Dimapur United Sporting Club, East Dimapur Sumi Sports Association, Zeliangrong Village Youth Club, Indisen FC, and Akito FC. The tournament will be played on a single-leg round-robin format followed by playoffs.
The tournament carries a total prize purse of Rs 4.80 lakh. In addition, an official Man of the Match award — comprising a trophy, certificate, and cash prize — will be presented after every game courtesy of Nili Nissan.
“In knockout tournaments, it is only about the cash prize. A league format is for player development. Without league matches, players cannot improve,” Aye said. He added that every team will play seven matches in the upcoming district league. Aye said that the tournament has been made possible through a 15-year sponsorship commitment from MLA Tovihoto Ayemi and his family. “We are focusing on rebuilding and restoring the football legacy of Dimapur,” Aye said, while urging sports enthusiasts to turn up at the ground and back the players.
