Native Feathers clinched the PDFA Cup title of the first Peren District Football League (PDFL) 2022 after defeating PDFL champions Puiteing FC 4-3 in the final through a tie-breaker organised by Peren District Football Association (PDFA) on Saturday.

A month long Peren District Football League 2022 came to a close on Saturday with a crowd packed spectators converged to witness a thrilling final match at Jalukie ‘B’ village ground.

Earlier, in the league round, Puiteing FC emerged as the winner of PDFL after which the top four teams of the league vied for the coveted PDFA Cup title.

Read more: PDFA: Puiteing FC emerge as Peren District Football League (PDFL) champion

Locking horns with the league champions Puiteing FC in the final match, Native Feathers delivered a dangerous attempt in the first 10th minute when Ngulgoulal Khongsai missed a good chance from inside the D-box area which went high off the cross bar.

The spirited effort of Native Feathers paid off when Ngulgoulal Khongsai drew the first blood in the 20th minute from a rebound that resulted from a slight mistake by Puiteing FC goal keeper Langoulung.

Leading with a goal, Native Feathers continued to pull the trigger. However, Khiuwangbo Kaurintah’s long shot went over the crossbar. Fighting back, Puiteing FC’s Haokhohen missed the goal with a powerful shot. Puiteing FC then missed another golden opportunity to find the equaliser in the additional time from inside the penalty area which was taken by Native Feathers’ goal keeper Ngamsi Dailiam with ease.

Puiteing FC failed to open its account in the first half which ended in 1-0.

After the stoppage time, Native Feathers came back stronger and dominated the game with several shots on target. However, they missed their chances to double their lead. Khiuwangbo Kaurintah produced a perfect cross from zero angle giving a wonderful opportunity to convert it but his teammate Khangkinwi’s goal was disallowed due to a handball.

Continuing on with their dominant effort, Khiuwangbo Kaurintah again produced a powerful long shot through a free kick which was beautifully saved by Puiteing FC goal keeper.

Just before the stipulated time, Puiteing FC found the equaliser through a header by Kawijibo in the 86th minute from a beautiful assist from teammate Samuel. Both the teams failed to score the winning goal and ended 1-1 draw in the stipulated time.

Rejuvenated Puiteing FC who lost track after the first half came back in form in the extra added time, trying to convert every opportunity they encountered but failed to make any breakthrough. Both the teams could not score against the other even in the extra added time leading to a tie-breaker to decide the title winner.

Closing ceremony

The winner of the PDFA cup title Native Feathers walked home with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with the trophy and certificates. The runners-up Puiteing FC received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 with citations.

The individual awards of the first PDFL 2022:

Player of the tournament – Kenumdi Siarau of Barak FA; received Rs 5000 with trophy

Emerging Player – Wibonjibo of Puiteing FC; received Rs 3000 with trophy

Highest scorers – Haileuyibe Iranggau of Lekie Mtei FC and Kenumdi Siarau of Barak FA; received Rs 3000 each

Best midfielder – Lamsanggin Hangsing of Native Feathers; received a cash of Rs 3000

Best Defender – Salu Kulim of Puiteing FC; received Rs 3000

Best goal keeper – Ngamsi Dailiam of Native Feathers; received Rs 3000

Earlier, PDFL champions Puiteing FC walked home with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

The final match was graced by Executive Engineer PHED WSSO Er Ichirang Zeliang as the guest of honour.

Addressing the closing ceremony, the guest of honour lauded the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) for organising the historic first football league in the district to promote football to higher heights.

As a football enthusiast, Ichirang called upon the football fans to continue supporting the football fraternity adding that without the fans, football would have not been as lively as it always used to be. He also exuded confidence that the league would grow in the near future and multiply the number of teams and clubs in the league in near future. Ichirang also pointed out that the league would produce more professional footballers in the district.

Speaking about club management, he lauded the club owners for investing their time and money which is a boon for emerging players to showcase their talents and skills. He further urged the players to give their best efforts with discipline as they would be representing the district in the state level events.

The coach and the captain reflect on win

After the closing ceremony, Nagaland Tribune spoke to the coach of Native Feathers FC, Lavoriyi Theluo, who is also the present coach of ACI Football Academy, Manipur.

Lavoriyi Theluo, Native Feathers FC coach.

Theluo expressed his happiness on Native Feathers winning the first Peren District Football Association Cup. “Even though we could not win the overall League title, we have achieved winning the Cup for us,” he said, adding that it was his first major trophy won as a coach so far.

Theluo said he has been coaching for four years at ACI Football Academy, Manipur and had signed on as coach for Native Feathers FC for the Peren District Football League on contract basis for one season.

Speaking about the football scenario in Nagaland and Manipur, he noted that Manipur is performing much better than Nagaland as the football players from Manipur are passionate about the play and have more knowledge in tactics with skills improving consistently. Apart from their talents, the players maintain discipline and are hardworking and punctual, which puts them ahead in the football field.

“Everyone has their talent but hard work should follow alongside improvising their skills and tactics,” the coach stated.

He advised all the players as well as the upcoming players to be disciplined off the field as well as in the field and to avoid intoxicants. While playing football, the effort should come from the individual players as well as the whole team, and everyone should cooperate well together, he noted.

“One cannot become a professional player in one night or [be] a player for one tournament. One should work hard consistently following the discipline with determination, commitment, dedication which will help one achieve the top level”.

Khiuwangbo Kaurinta, captain of Native Feathers FC also spoke to Nagaland Tribune and expressed his happiness on winning the PDFA Cup over Puiteing FC who were the overall League Champions of PDFL.

Khiuwangbo Kaurinta, Native Feathers FC captain.

Stating that Native Feathers FC was formed in 2013 and have been playing in many tournaments so far, he acknowledged his team players for their immense effort and support to each other which helped them win the Cup.

He also expressed his appreciation to their team coach Lavoriyi Theluo who had selflessly supported and guided them throughout the season, stating: “We have won for him.”

According to Kaurinta, a trained footballer from Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Dimapur, there are differences being self-taught and being trained under a coach.

“If a child is trained in the profession from a young age, he will get recognition from a young age and have better opportunities and [the sport] can be taken [up] as a profession which will also benefit them for living”, he said.

He noted on the importance for a person to work hard and stay humble in any profession, to maintain discipline and to respect each other’s efforts.

He also added that the scenario of football in the state has improved a lot with the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) taking the initiative in hosting and organising many tournaments which has encouraged the players and opened up opportunities for them.

Kaurinta, however, highlighted the lack of sport avenues in the state, mentioning that only two avenues – Nagaland State Sports Academy and Sports Authority of India, both stationed in Dimapur – exist where coaching is available through a screening basis.

“Only if such avenues are available throughout the state and awareness are given on its importance then it will open room of opportunities for the sports enthusiasts,” he commented.

In the end, he appreciated the leadership of the PDFL for organising such a tournament and welcomed the idea of such events being hosted in the future as well.

Match highlights were provided by Iliegongbe Miliang, PDFA media cell. Interviews were conducted by NTN correspondent.