Shillong Lajong FC
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2017: youthful Lajong rises
Bhaichung Bhutia, Other clubs need to follow Lajong's example , April 15, 2017: The Times of India
YOU look at the clubs in the Hero I-League and you wo uld struggle to find a club with a youth set-up like Shillong Lajong FC. I feel if Indian football is to go forward, it's time the other clubs replicate the system which has been the driving force for Lajong for the last few years.
At a time when most clubs stay ready to offer the moolah to the big names, Lajong has preferred to stick to their tried and tested formula of fielding youth players, most of them who have been groomed from their youth setup. Look at the last match for example, title contenders Mohun Bagan were bit lucky to escape with a draw. Lajong were dominant and apart from Jeje's Lalpekhlua's class finish from a delectable long-ball, Lajong's U-22 players drew more attention than Bagan's star-studded line-up.
Coach Thangboi Singto has operated with a tight budget year after year and made life diffi cult for many a big club. He has struck the right combination with his own academy set-up players like Redeem Talang, Pritam Singh, Bipin Singh, Rupert Longrum, Samuel Shadap amongst others along with those from the AIFF Academy like Vishal Kaith, Issac Vanmalsawma among others.
The jolt provided by Lajong to Bagan can hurt the Mariners in their quest for a second title in three years.
