Shillong, Aug 25: The head coaches of North East United FC and Shillong Lajong FC Juan Pedro Benali and Jose Hevia respectively expressed confidence of win when the teams will clash on Monday (August 26) at 5.30 pm at JN stadium, Plo here in the first semifinal of the Durand Cup.
During the pre-match press conference held separately on Sunday, both the teams from the North East expected support from the crowd as the ticket sale is as high as 15,000.
Hevia admitted the support of the football lovers of Meghalaya as it’s own team performed better in the matches held in the past.
As the coaches along with Shillong Lajong Captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri and NEUFC player Redeem Tlang hailing from the state highlighted the strength of their teams, the Defence Public Relations Officer Sreeprakash J downplayed the problems occurred during the sale of tickets on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs said to public concerns about sale of tickets and crowd management for the Durand Cup semifinal match between Shillong Lajong FC and North East
United FC, it is clarified that the JN stadium, a multipurpose stadium, has a capacity of approximately 15,000 seats. In order to manage aspects of safety, protocols of national level football conduct, and commitments to
sponsors that make such games possible (branding, signages that impede view of the match), the first 4 rows of North/South stands and first 2 rows of the East Stand have been kept unsold.
The seats have been installed keeping in mind their viability for athletics events, during which the seats will have the best view.
All efforts have been made to ensure that as many football fans get access to the tickets, given the huge demand compared to actual availability. Of the total capacity, minimal tickets as approved by the Durand Cup Organising Committee and the government have been provided as
complimentary tickets to fulfil the sponsor requirements and organising committee requirements, of which the two participating teams Shillong Lajong FC and NEUFC received 100
tickets each as per protocol.
The overwhelming response to the ticket sales is appreciated by the government, and all tickets are sold out. Fans may also note that resale of tickets is not permitted, and it is requested
that all such activities be reported to the Meghalaya police. All official tickets have holograms on it to ensure only authentic ticket holders are permitted to enter the stadium. Online purchasers must have redeemed their tickets from the box office at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on August 25 by 6 PM.
“It is also advised that no individuals without tickets shall be permitted in the vicinity of the stadium on Monday, the 26th of August after 12 pm. To address the limited number of seats at JN
Stadium and to maximise the viewing experience, fan parks are being set up across Shillong and various districts. Football fans are requested to visit the fan parks to support their team
should they not have bought a ticket.
The following locations shall host fan parks:
1) Malki Sports Ground, Malki
2) Madan Saw, Golf Links
3) Madan-Heh Ground, Mawlai
4) Police Point Parking Lot, Laitumkhrah
5) Umpling, Mawarliang
6) Madan Daimasi, Ladthalaboh, Jowai
7) Pahamsyiem Ground, Nongpoh
8) Patharkhmah Hr. Sec. School, Patharkhmah
9) Nongstoin Playground, Nongstoin.
Additionally, the match will be screened on the DIPR large screens at Police Bazaar and PHC, Rynjah.
“The Government of Meghalaya views the safety of spectators and conduct of the match as the utmost priority and requests the citizens of Shillong to comply with the outlined advisory”, the statement added.
