Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 22 (NPN): Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) founding member Abu Metha has said the club’s entry into the Indian Football League (IFL) aims to create professional opportunities for local players, promote Nagaland football and project a positive image of the Naga people.
Addressing a press conference at Niathu Resort on Thursday, Metha described NUSC as more than a football club, calling it an institution and a movement to promote sports across Nagaland, the Northeast and the country. He said the club’s motto, “Rise Together”, reflected its belief that sports could unite communities and provide young people a common platform to pursue excellence.
Metha called on Nagas, football supporters across the Northeast and fans in India and abroad to support the team, which he said would represent the people of Nagaland. He said the club had worked towards its IFL entry for around two years and, despite limited preparation time, would compete with the ambition to win.
Acquisition of Aizawl FC
Metha said NUSC’s entry into the IFL was made possible through the acquisition of Aizawl Football Club, following extensive due diligence, documentation and formalities. The acquisition was subsequently approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) at its annual general meeting.
He explained that, without the acquisition, a Nagaland club would have to win the state league and progress through the third and second divisions before reaching the IFL, a process that could take several years.
He thanked Aizawl FC’s owners, members and supporters for facilitating the acquisition and acknowledged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his continued support. Metha also said the Nagaland Super League, launched last year under Rio’s vision, had received an encouraging response and helped lay the groundwork for NUSC’s participation in the national league.
Five Naga players signed
Metha said NUSC had signed five players from Nagaland. However, the late completion of the acquisition prevented the club from registering additional local players before the transfer window closed.
The five players are training with the squad and are expected to travel with the team, although their eligibility to play will depend on registration and the next transfer window.
He said NUSC would conduct trials across Nagaland to identify more local talent, particularly players below 20 years of age. The club aims to groom young players for professional football, including those not yet ready for the IFL or Indian Super League (ISL).
Kaizad Ambapardiwalla appointed head coach
Metha announced the appointment of Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, an AFC A-licensed coach who previously served as head coach of Jamshedpur FC during the Durand Cup last year.
The club has also recruited a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, goalkeeper coach and other support staff.
He said preparations had been challenging because of the delayed acquisition, while several players had been participating in the ongoing Mizoram Premier League. The squad largely comprises players previously registered with Aizawl FC, many of whom have experience in the I-League and IFL.
Metha described the challenge as an uphill task for the players and coaching staff but expressed hope that the team would perform well. NUSC is also assessing players from outside Nagaland through trials, medical examinations and fitness tests ahead of the next transfer window.
Chümoukedima stadium to host home matches
Metha said NUSC would play its 10 home matches at Chümoukedima Football Stadium within the Chümoukedima Police Complex, while its 10 away matches would be held outside the state.
He said the stadium was selected because it was among the available football facilities in Nagaland and offered connectivity to the airport and railway station for visiting teams.
The home fixtures are expected to bring established Indian clubs to Nagaland, giving local supporters an opportunity to watch prominent teams play in the state.
Metha thanked the state government, particularly the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, for allowing the club to use the government-owned stadium. He also acknowledged the Nagaland Football Association and AIFF for their guidance and support.
He said the national football fraternity was looking forward to playing in Nagaland, citing the sport’s strong following across the Northeast.
10% of ticket sales for sports development fund
Metha announced that NUSC would contribute 10% of ticket sales from its home matches to the state government’s Sports Development Fund (SDF).
He said the club intended to remain active throughout the year, participate in the Nagaland Super League when held and explore opportunities to compete in the Durand Cup and other tournaments.
Metha said NUSC’s long-term objective extended beyond its debut IFL season to developing sporting talent, strengthening the football ecosystem and creating sustained opportunities for young people.
While cautioning against unrealistic expectations in the club’s maiden season, he said NUSC would approach every match with the determination to win and sought the support, prayers and blessings of the people of Nagaland.
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