As Tuensang prepares to face Mon in the Dr T Ao Trophy final on October 29 at Renpao Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, the team has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from well-wishers across communities, with contributions pouring in both in cash and kind.

In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Moses Hongang Chang, Press and Information Secretary of the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA), shared how the team’s journey to the final has been accompanied by growing encouragement and generosity from people who want to see Tuensang succeed.

From initial concerns over jerseys and playing kits to receiving financial contributions and material support, the team has witnessed a remarkable show of solidarity from individuals and organisations. What began with practical concerns over meeting the team’s requirements has grown into a collective effort, with well-wishers stepping forward to support the players as they prepare for the crucial final.

According to Chang, the support has come from a wide cross-section of society, including individuals, organisations, entrepreneurs, officials, communities, churches, educators and village councils. The list of contributors has reached 77 and continues to grow, reflecting the enthusiasm and sense of unity surrounding the team.

The contributions, both monetary and in kind, have helped address the team’s needs while providing encouragement to the players ahead of the championship decider. The support also highlights how football can bring people together, inspiring collective participation beyond the playing field.

The growing response has turned Tuensang’s campaign into more than a sporting contest, with the team carrying the hopes and encouragement of a wider community into the final.

Tuensang will take on Mon in the title clash of the Dr T Ao Trophy at Renpao Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on October 29, as both teams compete for the championship.

Moses Chang expressed that  with limited resources and less than two months of preparation,  the silver jubilee final is more than a football match — it is a moment of pride, hope and a vision for the district’s football future

“For the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA), reaching the final of the silver jubilee edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy is more than a sporting achievement. It is a moment of pride, a testament to the determination of its players and a reflection of the collective support of a community that has stood behind its team through a challenging journey,” he noted.

“It is not just a final. It is a special feeling to be in this one since it is the silver jubilee and playing against our own eastern brothers,” Chang said. “We are not sure if such a thing may happen again in the future or not, but this final is truly a special one,” he added.

Limited resources, unwavering determination

Behind the team’s achievement, however, Chang said lies a story of financial constraints, inadequate equipment and the determination to keep the preparations going despite limited resources.

Chang expressed that the Association had less than two months to prepare for the tournament, with inadequate fund generation emerging as one of the major challenges from the outset.

“We had no training equipment. We had some equipment from last year, which we used. Some of the footballs were leftover from the TDFA League sponsored by Nivia, and we used those balls during practice,” he said.

“Training also brought daily expenses, including food and medical requirements, which the association had to bear with the help of well-wishers,” he disclosed.

The lack of adequate funds made it increasingly difficult to sustain the preparations, with the Association relying on contributions from various quarters to keep the team functioning.

The donations received in cash and kind have since provided considerable relief, enabling the association to meet the players’ basic needs in a timely manner.

“It is such a huge relief. While the team was practising, it was becoming tasking for the Association to get the system running owing to no funds. We were able to provide players with their basic needs timely,” Chang said.

Moses mentioned that the support extended to the team has gone beyond financial contributions.

He said that it has been deeply encouraged by the prayers, fasting and constant support of families and people back home, who have remained connected with the team throughout its campaign.

“We can feel the love of our people for the team. It is not only the donations which we are receiving but also the prayers that our people back home are doing,” he said.

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“Our families back home are fasting, having family prayers and constantly encouraging us. They are our backbone. Without their support, the team may in some way stop functioning,” he added.

TDFA also expressed gratitude to those who have travelled from different places to Mokokchung to cheer for the team, as well as families and friends who have gathered at their homes to watch the matches on projectors.

The support, he said, has been particularly meaningful during the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, which were far from easy.

“They were our 12th man on the stands, always pushing us. Each victory till the final is dedicated to all who have supported us. We are deeply grateful and thankful,” Chang noted.

The Association has been sharing updates on donations received through its social media handles, stating that all contributions in cash and kind are being acknowledged and updated as they come in.

Beyond the immediate tournament, TDFA sees the campaign as an opportunity to strengthen its long-term vision for football in Tuensang district.

The Association said its primary objective has been to create opportunities for players to pursue football as a career, while building a culture of professionalism at the district level.

The annual TDFA League is one of its initiatives towards this goal, with the association seeking to introduce systems in line with All India Football Federation (AIFF) regulations.

Players participating in the league are required to have their own Centralised Registration System (CRS) IDs, an initiative aimed at familiarising them with the formal structures of organised football.

“Our aim is to make them feel and behave like professional players right from our home,” the representative said.

While the district has a football turf, the Association acknowledged that it continues to face significant gaps in infrastructure, personnel and financial resources required to compete consistently at a higher level.

“We have turf and we are grateful for that, but besides that, there is nothing. We need better coaching staff, backroom staff, with all the necessary equipment needed for a professional team,” he said.

The Association also pointed to the need for a physiotherapist, including during training sessions, and said it was unable to keep support staff on payroll because of financial limitations.

As an independent association, TDFA said it could not generate sufficient funds to meet all the requirements of a team competing at this level.

It hopes the team’s performance at the Dr T Ao Trophy will help bring greater visibility to Tuensang’s players and attract support for the district’s football development.

The Association believes winning the prestigious trophy would further boost the confidence of the team and encourage young players to pursue the sport.

However, its larger ambition remains focused on grassroots development, creating a sustainable football culture and identifying talented players who could eventually represent the district at the national level.

“TDFA will always require the support from the people of Tuensang. This is just the beginning for Tuensang football,” Chang noted.

The Association appealed to the public, well-wishers and potential donors to support not only the team but also young people in identifying and pursuing their talents.

“Sports right now is beginning to be one of the growing job careers and Tuensang is going in the right direction. Our main focus still remains on the development of the grassroots players,” Chang maintained.

With the silver jubilee final now within reach, the association said it hopes the team’s journey will encourage greater investment in football and help create opportunities for future generations.

“And hopefully one day we will have a national football player right from Tuensang,” he said.