Nagaland United to become first team from state to play in IFL

Club to open campaign against Real Kashmir on October 30; five Naga players signed, more local talent targetedChümoukedima, October 22 (MExN): Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is set to make history as the first team from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), opening its campaign against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30.The landmark entry marks a significant milestone for football in Nagaland, with the club aiming to create opportunities for local players and take the state's football aspirations to the national stage.Addressing the media ahead of the IFL Trophy Tour and jersey launch at Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, on October 22, NUSC founding member Abu Metha said the club's participation offered an opportunity to promote Nagaland and its youth through sport.“We are not playing as a club, but we're playing as a people,” Metha said, adding that the club hoped to tell positive stories about the Naga people and help local youth realise their aspirations.Entry secured through acquisition of Aizawl FCNagaland United secured its place in the IFL through the acquisition of Aizawl FC, a former I-League champion. Metha said the acquisition, approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), provided a route into the league that would otherwise require a club to progress through the state league and successive divisions.Under the conventional pathway, a club must win its state league before progressing through IFL Division 3 and Division 2 to qualify for the IFL, a process that could take several years.However, the acquisition and subsequent approvals took time, and the transfer window had closed by the time the process was completed. Consequently, the squad comprises players registered under Aizawl FC, including several with previous IFL experience, alongside new signings from Nagaland.Five Naga players signed; more recruitment plannedMetha said NUSC had signed five players from Nagaland and planned to recruit more local talent during subsequent transfer windows.Their participation in professional matches, however, depends on completing the transition from amateur to professional registration. Several players who featured in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) were registered as amateurs and must complete the prescribed formalities to become eligible for professional competitions.Metha said the club would conduct trials across Nagaland, particularly targeting players below 20 years of age, to develop young talent for future opportunities in professional football.“We are looking forward to signing definitely more players because the aim is to create as many opportunities for Naga players as possible,” he said.The club is also considering players from outside Nagaland, subject to trials, medical examinations and fitness tests.Limited preparation time a major challengeNagaland United faces a challenging start, with Metha acknowledging that the squad has had limited time to prepare together. Delays in completing the acquisition and players' commitments to the ongoing Mizoram Premier League meant collective training began only days before the opening fixture.He estimated that the squad would have around five to six days of collective preparation, describing the challenge as an uphill task for the players, coaching staff and management.Despite the constraints, Metha said the team would approach every match with the ambition to win while remaining realistic about the difficulties of its maiden season.The team was training at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima ahead of its away fixture in Srinagar. A friendly against the Territorial Army team was scheduled for October 24 at 6:30 pm before the squad departs for its opening match.Chümoukedima to host 10 home matchesNagaland United will play its home fixtures at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium within the Chümoukedima Police Complex. The club is scheduled to host 10 home matches, with its first home fixture on November 14.Metha said the stadium was selected for its availability and connectivity. He clarified that clubs are not required to own their home grounds but must secure permission to use an approved venue. NUSC has obtained permission from the state government's Department of Sports.He said the AIFF had inspected the stadium and provided guidelines on requirements to be fulfilled before the matches.Metha thanked the state government, the Nagaland Football Association and the AIFF for their support. He added that visiting established clubs would give local fans an opportunity to watch high-level football on home soil.10% of ticket sales for sports development fundNUSC has decided to contribute 10% of its home-match ticket sales to the Nagaland government's sports development fund.Metha said the board had approved the decision, which would cover ticket sales across categories. Gallery tickets were expected to cost Rs 299, excluding applicable taxes and service charges.The club has also instituted a media accreditation process for home matches, requiring journalists to register through its official platforms to obtain passes.Experienced coaching staff appointedNUSC has appointed Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, an AFC A-licensed coach with national and international experience, as head coach. Metha said Ambapardiwalla had served as head coach of Jamshedpur FC during the previous year's Durand Cup.The club has also recruited physiotherapists, a strength and conditioning coach, a goalkeeper coach and other support personnel to establish a professional support structure for the squad.Metha said the coaching staff was already helping local players improve their skills and understanding of the game.Besides the IFL, the club intends to participate in other competitions, including the NSL, and other tournaments for which it qualifies.Coinciding with the IFL Trophy Tour, NUSC unveiled its three official jerseys on Thursday evening. He said the club's ambition extended beyond football results to promoting sport, creating opportunities for young people and building unity across communities.While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he called on football fans and the people of Nagaland to rally behind the team.Nagaland United's October 30 opener against Real Kashmir will mark the beginning of its maiden IFL campaign, with the club hoping to establish a lasting pathway for Naga footballers into the professional game.NUSC President John Longkumer and General Secretary Lhouvi Punyu   also attended the press conference.