"This is a great opportunity for me to feature for NorthEast United in the ISL. I will give my best for the team and look forward to play alongside the best set of foreign players and coaching staff," Khongjee said in a joint statement with Tlang.
"I look forward for a wonderful first season and hope the team gives a memorable debut performance and makes the fans of the North East and rest of India proud," Tlang said. Khongjee, whose father was also a footballer from Shillong, encouraged him during his childhood to play the sport. He continued playing the game and was selected to play his first major tournament which was the Under-17 Subroto Cup and joined SAI Shillong.
The stopper back inked his first professional contract with Shillong Lajong FC in 2005 and after gaining appreciation for his performances he was offered a deal from Kolkata giant East Bengal during the 2007-08 season. Khongjee was offered to come back and play for Lajong in 2008 and remained with the club until 2012. Mohun Bagan came knocking with a good offer which he found difficult to turn down and hence departed to Kolkata.
The 26-year-old re-signed for Lajong FC in the summer this year and has been named one of the domestic players to feature for NorthEast United FC and play alongside top international players. In addition to bolstering the squad, another local lad Redeem Tlang has also landed a place in the ISL team NorthEast United and the rising star is all set to take up this challenge. Tlang started playing football at the age of seven and has played several football tournaments for his school, St Anthony's Shillong including the Subroto Cup.