Some players and members of the Chümoukedima FC cleaning the Chümoukedima local ground in preparation for the upcoming Dimapur Division League which is scheduled to begin its second edition in October. (Morung Photo)
Chümoukedima FC sets eyes on DDL debut
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 7
As the COVID-19 situation slowly improved, the Dimapur Division League (DDL) was one of the few events allowed as part of resumption of activities under the district following the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Although held under strict surveillance and adherence to SOPs, the football league was a welcome treat for fans and players alike, after having been deprived of sporting action for months.
As the league is slated to resume its second season this year, clubs are undergoing hectic preparations to join the competition.
Among the list is Chümoukedima FC, one of the new entrants in the league for the 2021 season.
Owned and managed by Mikato Shohe and Neiba, the club is looking to make its debut and even pose a tough challenge for the other participating clubs.
“Winning or losing is not in our hands but our team will definitely be one of the tough contenders. We have young and energetic players,” Mikato Shohe said in an interaction with The Morung Express on Tuesday.
Shohe shared that the decision to form and manage a club was taken with a view to help provide a platform for the talented players in the locality. “There are so many young and talented boys in Chümoukedima but they do not get the opportunity to play in league tournaments or any major tournaments due to lack of sponsors, financial assistance etc. so I decided to take a step and make the difference,” he said.
While recounting that the colony had produced one of the best teams in the past, and was well known for football, Shohe said that it has been almost a decade since they could not move forward and win trophies or even take part in tournaments.
With a view to revive the fighting spirit and get back to its winning ways, Shohe shared that the Chümoukedima FC’s logo is that of a Phoenix which is to signify ‘rising from the ashes’.
With Vitoto as the team coach, the Chümoukedima FC’s focus is mainly on the local players. While the club has signed 3 players from different districts, it has also secured a star signing with former Shillong Lajong FC player Temjen.
Meanwhile, Shohe also informed that maintenance works were carried out in the Chümoukedima local ground- the club’s home ground. Expressing optimism about the support for the club, Shohe said, “We always had a good fan base and as of now we just started preparing for the league so hopefully we will have good response.”
He also shared appreciation for the DDL stating that the league will definitely help young players to grow since every team has experienced and senior players. It will also create a platform for the young ones to play in higher leagues in the future, he added.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the league is likely to start in the month of October, although details of the same are yet to be finalized.
Inonito Zhimomi from the DDL organizing team informed that a total of 7 clubs have confirmed their participation till date.
The second edition of the league promises to be ‘more intense’ and the league format is also expected to undergo a revamp even as more clubs are expected to participate this year. With 10 clubs in participation, the first edition of the DDL was won by Diphupar SC in 2020.
