Shillong, Feb 5: Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte said on Wednesday that the three ISL matches in the hill city will positively impact Meghalaya’s footballing culture.
“Shillong is a beautiful place and to play an ISL game there will be lovely. I hope the fans turn up in big numbers, not just the NorthEast United FC fans, but also the supporters of Mumbai City FC. I am positive about the impact that the matches taking place there will have on the footballing culture of Meghalaya. It gives the people there a never-seen opportunity to experience an ISL game live. I hope we put up a good match for them and come back victorious, of course,” said the 27-year-old captain.
The Indian Super League debuts in Meghalaya on February 7 with the match between NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) and Mumbai FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on February 7.
Chhangte is cheering the move to play the top tier in the northeastern state. He is thrilled with the prospect of the Highlanders playing their final three home league games of the season in Shillong, as Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC are set to visit them on February 21 and March 8, respectively.
“I have been told it’s a nice place with very nice people,” Chhangte said about Shillong.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky echoed similar feelings as Chhangte, expressing his excitement towards playing in different conditions.
“To be honest, I am looking forward to going there. Everyone told me it’s a very nice place with very nice people. So I am looking forward to being there and seeing a part of India I have not seen yet. I am looking forward to playing away in different, much cooler conditions, and also playing good football and trying to win,” Kratky said.
With the playoffs nearing, Mumbai City FC are presently placed in the sixth spot with 28 points from 18 matches. With Odisha FC (25), Kerala Blasters FC (24) and Punjab FC (23) following them closely in the standings, the race to finish in the top six looks likely to go right down the wire.
Chhangte reflected on their assertive 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the semi-final against FC Goa last season to signify his team’s winning mentality, something that he believes will keep them in pursuit of the top honours consistently.
