BENGALURU: The Indian team has a deadly and rare north-east combination. The young pair has already wrapped up awards for their brilliance, and is raring to dazzle in national colours as the 2018 World Cup second round qualifiers get underway from June 11.
Jackichand Singh was voted as the best player of the 2014-15 I-League season, as he turned out superb displays for newly promoted Royal Wahingdoh. Jeje Lalpekhlua was part of the Mohun Bagan team that won the league. He was the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2013.
The latter is the more experienced of the two internationally, having had 21 starts in which he found the net eight times. Jackie made his debut against Nepal earlier this year.
He captained the India U-19 team in the South Asian Games in Sri Lanka in 2006 and also scored a hat-trick against Pakistan as India won 5–1. Jeje scored on his debut against Chinese Taipei in 2012 and scored four goals in his first three matches for India to announce his arrival with a bang.
“Yes, my goal on debut and the match against Chinese Taipei are the most memorable moments of my career,” said Jeje.
“Winning the I-League was a major boost. When we went back to Kolkata with the trophy, I felt we had won the World Cup. Such was the huge welcome. I’ve played for many teams but nothing like playing in Kolkata,” said the 24-year-old.
“It’s always better if a player stays for a long period in one club. It helps improve his game. It happened with me at Pune FC, for whom I
played from 2008 to 2013. But then if there are good offers, monetarily it helps,” the Mizoram lad said to a question on changing clubs.
Asked which position he would like to play, Jackie said “I’ll be happy to play as a left winger but I can play on the right also.”
The Manipur player scored eight goals for Wahingdoh in the I-League to the delight of his delirious Shillong fans, and also turned provider often.
“My dad is a farmer and my mother ran a small business to support the family. I always loved to play and would practice alone. I’ve worked hard to get here and my journey has only begun. I want to do well for the national team and we’re working hard,” said Jackie, who was the first and fastest to complete the 21 stations at the ASC Centre as the Indians prepared to build some team work.
“We have tough teams in our group and our first game against Oman is very important. If we can play well, it will build our confidence for further games,” added the 25-year-old.
Oman team lands in city
Bengaluru: The Oman team, which will take on India in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, arrived in the city late on Monday. French manager Paul le Guen will lead his team out for a practice session on Tuesday, team sources said. Oman is being led by former Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.
Cheapest ticket to cost Rs 30
Bengaluru: The cheapest tickets at the Kanteerava Stadium will cost `30. The tickets are on sale at www.kyazoonga.com. Indian coach Stephen Constantine hoped the low prices would see a large number of fans flocking to the stadium. “Turn out in numbers. It’s your country. Back the Blue!” he said.
