Aizwal are adding freshness to I-League

As Aizwal prepares to host its first ever I-League match on Saturday against former champions Bengaluru FC, many football fans in this picturesque city are eager to witness history being made. The sale of tickets started four days before the match. Fans gathered in long queues on January 12 at outlets where tickets were being sold.

Tickets for Aizwal FC’s home matches are priced at Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, way above the average cost at the other five venues of the I-League. Yet they sold like hot cakes.

Within five hours 80% of the tickets were taken. All those worth Rs 200 sold out in just an hour. Tickets worth Rs 500 went at a slightly slower pace but were all gone before the day was over.

The unprecedented surge of excitement for this match, and all of Aizwal FC’s future home games will increase the Hero I-League’s popularity.

On arrival the Bengaluru FC players were paraded through the city centre and cheered lustily by the assembled crowds.

Thus Aizwal Football Club has added a new dimension to the ongoing I-League. On the eve of their first ever I-League home match, there is a festive atmosphere in Aizwal. With songs, banners, musical instruments and cheer leaders, the home supporters intend to create a Premiership type atmosphere in not only this game but in subsequent home matches also.

Evidence of this enthusiastic support was visible in even their away match at the Barasat Stadium last Saturday against holders Mohun Bagan. The colourfully dressed travelling fans created a festive atmosphere, cheering their team vociferously, chanting songs in rhythm to the beating of drums.

Their Spanish coach Manuel Retamero Fraile, a Uefa pro licence holder who was technical director of the Bahrain Football Federation is trying to make sure his players do not succumb to the pressure of big match situations. He has told his squad (average age of 23) that even if they lose their first home match, they still have 16 more games to salvage their reputation.

Fraile’s ambition for the team is to finish in the top four of the 9th I-League. Fraile has used his 11 years experience of coaching in the lower divisions of the Spanish league to make Aizwal FC play a free flowing, fluid, short passing game, instead of just fast-paced counter-attacks.

Against Mohun Bagan their defence was vulnerable to Balwant Singh and Cornell Glen’s quick counter-attacks.

However Aizwal’s attacking skills especially from the flanks make them exciting to watch. They play in a flexible 4-3-3 or 4-1-3-2 system. Skilful winger Albert Zohmiangmawaia and talented midfielders Ruatthara and skipper David Lalrimmuana can be game changers.

Established in 1984, Aizwal FC along with the North East Initiative Development Agency and Tata Services is supporting 60 non-residential football academies in Mizoram. They have created a football boom in Mizoram.