Seven Sisters Love Football: September 2014

Indian Super League: North East United FC register narrow 1-0 victory over Vasco in friendly

Margao, Sep 26 : North East United FC edged past Vasco by a solitary goal in the second friendly match, played at Nagao ground, Verna here today. North East United, who have come here to play friendly matches ahead of the ISL league which commence on Oct 12, once again found the going tough and had to wait in the second half to score the winner against Vasco who put up a stiff resistance in the first half.

North East United today fielded their marquee player Joan Capedevilla but could not get the better of Vasco in the first half before he was replaced in the second half. It was in the second half they showed ascendancy and after probing for most of the time scored the winner midway in the second half after wasting a penalty.

Yesterday they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tuff Laxmi Prasad. New entrant Tuff Laxmi Prasad who put up good performance in the ongoing Goa’s Pro-League stunned the fancy ISL team with a goal in the first half through foreign recruit N D Opara before the visiting team equalised late in the second half through a penalty.

North East United FC will play their last friendly match against the reserves of Salgaocar FC on September 30th at Tilak Stadium, Vasco. Ricki Herbert’s side play their first match of the ISL on October 15 against Kerala Blasters.

Mizoram boys storm into Subroto Cup semis

Defending champions Government Chawngfianga Middle School (CMS) of Mizoram thrashed Assam's Birjhora Higher Secondary School (BHSS) 5-0 to enter the Under-14 semi-finals of the Subroto Cup Football Tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here Sunday.

For the defending champions, J.H. Lallawmima's scored a brace followed by goals from Lalthansanga, Lalnunhlua and Ramhlunchhunga to ensure an easy win.

The defending champions will meet Nagaland's Greenwood High School, who beat National Cadet Corps, Maharashtra, 3-1 after extra time. The semi-final will be played Tuesday.

NCC, Maharashtra, took the lead through Rushikesh More in the 18th minute before Tokavi levelled the scoring. Kito struck a brace in extra time to clinch the match for the Nagaland side in the first quarter-final.

Earlier in a Pool E match, Nilamani English School from Manipur thumped New Delhi's Air Force School 9-0.

Indian Super League: Spanish Striker Koke Signs for NorthEast United FC

Spanish striker Sergio Contreras Pardo, commonly known as Koke, has played for Malaga, Marseille and captained Greek super league team Aris.

Sergio Contreras Pardo started his football career in 2001

Shillong: NorthEast United FC on Monday announced that they have signed Spanish striker Sergio Contreras Pardo, commonly known as Koke, to strengthen the club's attacking frontline.

The 31-year-old striker started his football career in 2001 and signing him means the club will benefit from his 13 years experience, the club announced in a statement here.

"He will be benefiting the NorthEast FC's attack by bringing onboard 13 years of professional football experience," the statement said.

A native of Malaga in Spain, Koke started his career with Malaga before shifting to Marseille in France and then he had a successful run at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

He then went on to play for the Greek super league team, Aris for five years. He was the captain for two years, those were clearly was some of the best years of his football career.

"I am very eager to start training with my new teammates and am excited about this new journey. I look forward to a great season and to score some winning goals for my team," Koke was quoted as saying by the club.

NorthEast FC's coach Ricki Herbert said he is looking forward to the new addition to his team.
"The arrival of Koke at NE United FC is one of excitement and anticipation. His experience and pedigree is much awaited and we all look forward to his appearances as a North East United player," he said.

With this signing, the Club has completed signing eight international players of repute, anticipating that the upcoming ISL would boost football in the country.

The club had signed World Cup 2010 and European 2008 Championship winner-- Spanish Defender Joan Capdevila -- as their marquee player for the inaugural season of Indian Super League scheduled to begin October 12.

The team had also signed Zambian international midfielder, Isaac Chansa, who also won the 2012 African Cup of Nations, along with Lajong FC striker Cornell Glen.

Earlier this month, the club signed Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia, Zambian midfielder Kondwani Mtonga and Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzvoras.

NorthEast United FC have added three new faces to their squad by signing foreign players Garcia, Mtonga and Tzvoras.

NorthEast United FC have added three new faces to their squad by signing foreign players Garcia, Mtonga and Tzvoras. NorthEast United Football Club have announced the signings of Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia, Zambian midfielder Kondwani Mtonga and Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzvoras. The trio will feature in the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) which kicks off on October 12.

Garcia is a product of Sporting Clube De Portugal's youth academy and made his senior debut in the 2003-04 season. He has also played in The UEFA Cup and appeared in the finals for Sporting Lisbon in 2005, with a final appearance in 2011 for Sporting Club de Braga.
On signing his contract with NorthEast United FC Garcia stated, “I am very happy to be a part of this club. I have been in Shillong for a week now and everyone here is very friendly."
"All the boys are working really hard on their fitness and skill during training sessions. Playing for NorthEast United is a big challenge for me as I need to adapt to how football is played here and I am looking forward to a good season with this club,” he added.
The club have also signed Zambian international Mtonga to bolster the squad. The 30 year-old is a versatile player as he can play either as a centre back or a defensive midfielder and has played for Zamtel Ndola in 2007. He has had a successful long term club career with Zesco United since 2008.
He expressed his delight on signing for the club stating, “I am very happy to be here; meeting all my teammates and club officials. I am very excited to be part of the Hero Indian Super League and I am looking forward to playing in front of the North East United FC fans. I will do my best to help the team win.”
Tzorvas who is a well known goalkeeper, started playing football in The Panathinaikos Football Academy and went on to play for various football clubs in Greece from 2001 to 2011. He also played for Italian clubs, Palermo and Genoa in 2011-12 season and 2012-13 season respectively. Tzorvas was the first choice goalkeeper for Greece in the 2010 World Cup and also during Euro 2012.