Seven Sisters Love Football: October 2014

Haier India teams up with NorthEast United FC

Haier, a renowned home appliances and consumer electronics brands, today announced a strategic partnership with the NorthEast United Football Club for the ongoing inaugural Indian Super League.

The announcement comes just days after the team won its first match of the tournament.

The NorthEast United FC from Guwahati, which is co-owned by actor John Abraham, have received tremendous response with spectators cheering the team during its matches.

As part of the partnership, the team will be wearing the new jersey which features Haier's logo on the front in its capacity of being the official sponsor of the team.

Haier will also gain significant brand exposure around the ground through in-stadium promotional methods such as Perimeter electronic board branding, Stadium Electronic board static branding etc..

Commenting on the partnership, Eric Braganza, President, Haier Appliances (India) said, "We are delighted to be a part of such exciting times where we have an opportunity to be a part of the journey of taking a wonderful sport like football to the masses.

"This partnership allows Haier to conjoin the synergy of being a young and sporty brand with the aggression of a sport like football. We are ecstatic that we can now connect with our audience at a more personal level and enjoy the spirit of football together."

Abraham said, "I am very happy with Haier coming on board to support the NEUFC club in our inaugural year. Our team is built on certain elements that are coherent to the brand's ethos, which makes it a perfect fit. It is good to know that the association with football is strategic; keeping in mind the potential growth of the sport in the country."

To expand the mutually beneficial contours of this partnership, both partners will shortly launch a series of joint marketing initiatives to engage with their respective fans and consumers across India.

In order to celebrate this association, Haier plans a contest on social media where participants stand a chance of winning Haier products personally autographed by the NorthEast United FC players.

Mizo footballer death: ISL says no warning to players on back flips

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-44914864,width-310,resizemode-4/no-isl-diktat-against-back-flips.jpg

Biaksangzuala, 23, died after a celebration went wrong in a Mizoram Premier League match. After scoring, Baiksangzuala performed successive somersaults.

The untimely death of footballer Peter Biaksangzuala in the Mizoram Premier League has shocked the Indian football community, including players from the ongoing ISL ( Indian Super League).

Biaksangzuala, 23, died after a celebration went wrong in a Mizoram Premier League match. After scoring, Baiksangzuala performed successive somersaults, landed wrong and died from spinal injuries.

ISL team owners and spokespersons told ETPanache that the news had registered on the minds of their players.

"They may not have known him (Biaksangzuala) personally, but are definitely upset," says Indranil Blah, CEO, Mumbai City FC. Blah, however, hasn't instructed players to curb such celebrations. "There hasn't been a separate communication that has gone out to the players. They're aware of the pitfalls of such stunts. Anyway, as a team, we are averse to over the top celebrations."

Varun Achreja, spokesperson of Delhi Dynamos FC, also says that it is impractical to ban celebratory stunts. But he said that the team was in a sombre mood after Biaksangzuala's death.

"The football community is a tight knit one," Achreja says. "When something like this happens to a player, it affects everyone. It was a freak incident and at the end of the day a player knows his body better than anyone else."

An IMG Reliance spokesperson said that barring players from doing backf lips is a team decision and one that is not taken by the league. He also said that the players are insured by the ISL, and the insurance covers all injuries, even those suffered during celebration.

"ISL has an overall insurance of Rs 650 crore. The players' salaries are also insured, in case they have to miss a match owing to sickness or injury. All matches and practice sessions have two ambulances on standby, so we have made it a point to be prepared for any situation," the spokesperson says.

ISL coaches among several eyeing India job

Panaji: There is life beyond the din and excitement of the Indian Super league, especially for the coaches on duty.

Most coaches are contracted with their respective franchisees till December 20 but with the India coaching vacancy now up for grabs following confirmation that Wim Koevermans will not continue beyond October when his contract ends, a few ISL coaches have put their hands up, some even throwing their hats in the ring for the job.

"We have got a fair bit of inquiries from coaches around the world. Quite a few coaches from the Indian Super League have applied as well," All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das told TOI on Monday.

Das did not disclose the names of coaches who are among the applicants but sources said NorthEast United coach Ricki Herbert, Kerala Blasters assistant coach Trevor Morgan and even Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid can be counted among those who have been making inquiries about the vacant post.

"I have a contract with Kerala Blasters at the moment. It would be inappropriate for me to make any comments regarding the position of national team coach," said Morgan, who has plenty of admirers in India after doing some wonderful things with East Bengal in the past.

NorthEast United coach Ricki Herbert has the profile to step into the boots of Koevermans having played in the 1982 World Cup for New Zealand and guiding the Kiwis at the World Cup in South Africa 2010. New Zealand, famously, were the only team which bowed out without losing, having drawn all three games in the group stage.

Reid, formerly coach of the Thailand national team, has enough experience of managing in Asia and his coaching stints with England under-21, Manchester City, Leeds United and Sunderland should hold him in good stead should he decide to formally notify the AIFF.

Even Zico, the Brazilian legend now at FC Goa, could consider an offer from the AIFF if the project is appealing, said a source close to the coach.

The AIFF is in no hurry to finalize Koeverman's successor and will take a decision only towards the year end. India do not have any international assignment till next year giving ambitious ISL coaches plenty to look forward to once their engagement in the cash-rich league culminates on December 20.

John sees hope in football

Shillong, Oct. 16 : Model-turned-actor John Abraham and co-owner of the North East United Football Club today exuded confidence that the journey of the cricket-crazy nation to the FIFA World Cup finals would not be long if everything goes well.

“The Indian Super League is in its incubation period and in my personal view it will grow full-fledged with the sole emphasis at generating interest in football and identifying untapped talent. In FIFA ranking, we are 158th and it will take some time before we go upward,” John said in an interaction with journalists here. According to the Bollywood actor, in another five to six years India might give a good fight to its Southeast Asian counterparts.

John was here along with Shillong Lajong FC owner, Larsing Ming Sawyan, also the co-owner of NEUFC. They sought support from Meghalaya’s soccer-crazy fans for the newly formed franchise club, on the eve of hosting a back-to-back home match against Athletico de Kolkata at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati tomorrow.

He “apologised” for the inconvenience caused to fans who could not get tickets. He, however, promised that from the third match onwards, more ticket counters would be made available in Shillong. “We need more time and the success of ISL is important for the growth of football in the country,” he said.

Ming, who is also the All India Football Federation vice- president, said developing football in the country required a long-term plan. Asked about the youth development programme, John said, “We are following Lajong’s model as we intend to have a strong grassroots programme.”

NorthEast United FC vs Atletico de Kolkata , Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 6th Match Preview: Possession vs Counterattack in this battle

NorthEast derby, battle of the winners of the Indian Super League (ISL) are a couple of ways to describe the Indian Super League (ISL) 204 so far. In what is sure to be a cracking battle between two talented teams in the ISL, the packed cauldron of the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Gauwathi promises to bring an interesting spectacle.

If there has been a pattern in the ISL games that have been played so far, it is the fact that the games have predominantly been low-scoring battles. The games have been feisty, filled with tackles flying everywhere, compact defenses and relied on incisive finishing up front. NorthEast United showed that they are in no mood to live with being called the underdog of the competition and proved their mettle in the previous game.

Against an experienced side like Kochi Blasters, NorthEast matched blow for blow and trumped Sachin Tendulkar’s side with a thumping strike from Spanish striker Koke. The deafening noise inside the stadium surely played a part in psyching the opposition out. Every touch from the players out the home side, irrespective of their stature, got loud cheers when the ball landed on their feet. The atmosphere is going to be no different this time around, although with the sizeable Bengal population Assam, allegiances may be divided.

Keeping the aforementioned close battles in mind, Atletico de Kolkata did things their own way in the ISL opener and with a certain doze of panache. Mumbai FC didn’t know what hit them as the red and whites finished runaway winners. Both teams looked balanced and settled and it is highly unlikely that either sides will go for changes in their line-ups.

Unlike the Spanish champions, Atletico are a team who like possession on the ball and we learnt that Northeast are a team that looks to leave the opposition dead with their quick-fire counterattacks. There is no outright favourite in this fixture but Atletico’s powerful midfield scores an edge over their opponents but the power of thousands of vocal cords can never be discounted in this game.

Team News:
Atletico de Kolkata (Probable): Subhashish Roy; Denzil Franco, Josemi, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Luis Garcia, Jofre Mateu, Ofentse Nato; Baljit Sahni; Fikru Lemessa
NorthEast United FC (Probable): Alexandros Tzorvas, Alexandros Tzorvas; Aibor Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Robin Gurung, Johan Capdevilla, David Ngaihte, Felipe, Zohmingliana Ralte, James Keene, Durga Boro; Koke

FC Goa eyeing perfect start against Chennayian FC

Margao: With a vociferous crowd behind them, hosts FC Goa will be eyeing a positive start to their campaign against Chennaiyin FC when the Goa-leg of the much-hyped Indian Super League (ISL) begins at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.

Much would depend whether the home team's players take to the field in accordance to the strategy chalked out by their famed tutor and manager Zico.
For the Goan fans it would be their first experience of high-level football after preferring to stay away from the mediocre display dished out at the I-League.
No doubt, the Indian players on either side, who would be brushing shoulders with some top flight foreign footballers, would become richer in experience.
However, a lot would depend on their adaptability and their readiness to learn.
With former French star Robert Pires in their ranks alongside Czech Republic's Jan Seda and Miroslav Slepicka, and Brazilian Andre Santos, who joined the team last week, FC Goa would be looking to get their campaign off to a perfect start.
Frenchmen Gregoy Arnolin and Youness Bengelloun, Portuguese trio of Bruno Pinheiro, Miguel Pereira and Edgar Marcelino are also expected to play a vital role in the fortunes of the Goan franchise.
During the one-and-half month long training camp, Zico was quite happy with the way his wards have responded to his attacking style of football.
"I am happy the way boys are playing, they have done well in the three friendly matches which we have won. Now I am looking forward for tomorrow's match and hoping to collect all three points," stated Zico.
FC Goa's Indian talent comprises of Dempo SC with young Holicharan Narzary, Peter Carvalho and Rowilson Rodrigues managing to catch the attention of Zico.
Czech custodian Jan Seda also has made his presence felt in front of the goal while Debabrata Roy and Carvalho are expected to be employed on the wings in overlapping roles, and assisting them on the flanks will be Narzary and Gabriel Fernandes.
Frenchman and former Arsenal great Robert Pires, who is Goa's marquee, is expected to take charge of the midfield with Portuguese striker Miguel Herlein employed up front.
The Chennaiyin FC squad also throws up an impressive list with the likes of Marco Matterrazi, the Italian, who was a member of the all-conquering 2006 World Cup team being their marque player-cum-manager.
Matterrazi was involved in the most controversial moment of World Cup history when he was headbutted by the talismanic Frenchman Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
Another World Cupper in Chennaiyin's ranks is Brazilian Elano Blummer. Then there is former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, who despite excelling at club level didn't get much opportunities with the French national team.
The Chennai outfit was boosted by the late entry of Colombian striker John Stiven Mendonza, who would thus join his compatriot Jairo Carvazal. Frenchmen, goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano and Bernard Mendy, Serbian Bojan Djordjic, Spaniards Eduardo Silva and Cristian Gonzalez also make up for an impressive line up for the visitors.
Among the domestic players, Chennaiyin FC has Gourmangi Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Harmanjot Khabra, Denson Devadas, Khelemba Meetei, N P Pradeep as well as Goa's Jaison Vales and Anthony Barbosa up their ranks.

North-east gears up to welcome India’s football festival

North-east India has long been one of India's footballing hotbeds and the excitement ahead of ISL's first match in Guwahati shows that in full light. (@NEUtdFC Image)

Guwahati: North-east India has long been one of India's footballing hotbeds and the excitement here in the city ahead of Indian Super League's first match shows that in full light.

The supporters can be seen flaunting their favourite team jerseys and singing the team's anthem outside the stadium as the excitement in anticipation of a football game hits an all-time high here, and if the Box Office reports are to be believed, it's expected to be a full house when the match kicks off at 1900 IST today.
The home team, NorthEast United FC, will take on Kerala Blasters FC in what would be a tournament opener for both the teams after a gala opening and Atletico de Kolkata's win on Sunday at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Kids in Assam have tremendous enthusiasm for football and surely it's a wonderful opportunity for football fanatics to connect with local and foreign stars and watch the likes of Joan Capdevila, Miguel Garcia, Sergio Pardo and a number of local lads in action together. The team owned and operated by Bollywood actor John Abraham and I-League club Shillong Lajong will hope that fans come right behind their team and give their 100 per cent support.
"Everybody is waiting for the tournament to start in Guwahati. We have decided that we're going to watch all the home matches in the stadiums and party all night. Football is in our blood", a group of few enthusiastic college students said.
Explaining the ISL fever gripping in Assam and other part of north-eastern city these days, a fan said it's an opportunity to watch some really top-class football and some of legends of the game in action.
Shillong has witnessed a packed house each time Shillong Lajong have played at home, and club owners and players have full belief that NorthEast United FC, who play here at the Indira Gandhi Stadium as their home ground, will also draw the same attraction.
"The crowd in Guwahati will be massive and entire north-east will come together to support the team during the match days", an official at the stadium said.
Amid this excitement, a belief floats that some day they will see India in action at the biggest stage and who knows, with India taking initiative of promoting Indian stars in ISL and later on hosting the under-17 junior World Cup in 2017, many players and kids will come of age which may finally put India on the world football map.

ISL fuels hope for return of days of footballing glory

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati being prepared for the ISL game on Monday. Picture by UB Photos

Guwahati, Oct. 12: We may be eight, but we are “United”.

The soulful Papon-composed and sung anthem of North East United FC, the Guwahati franchise of the high-profile Indian Super League, reiterates this and strikes an instant chord.

For a region that once religiously followed the beautiful game, the premier football league of India is perhaps just what the doctor ordered for football to regain its days of glory.

Ahead of the much-awaited tie between Guwahati franchise North East United FC and Kochi franchise Kerala Blasters at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here tomorrow, the mood here is one filled with expectations.

More importantly, with a football franchise the region can call its own, relate to and rally behind, there is a connect factor in the making.

North East United has 14 foreign recruits and as many from the country, with at least 10 from the Northeast.

The region has traditionally been inclined towards football, even club matches drawing a healthy turnout.

Most leading outstation teams were regular in tournaments such as the Bordoloi Trophy, ATPA Shield, Independence Day Cup and Dugar Shield held across Assam.

Former India captain T. Ao was also from undivided Assam.

Not everything looked hunky dory for the Guwahati franchise till the other day, with a co-owner pulling out for non-inclusion of the venue city in the franchise’s name, apart from other commercial matters. There was some uncertainty among the people here about the league after co-owner John Abraham failed to come out with a clear strategy on its grassroots development programme, a promise he had made while launching the club four months ago. For now, though, the national promos and the hype building up to the event has overshadowed the negativity and the lack of conviction among the fans here, at least for time being.

It was evident from the near-full house ticket sales with serpentine queues noticed at the 35,000-capacity stadium that was built for the 2007 National Games.

Assam Football Association secretary Ankur Dutta said the response was encouraging and augurs well for football here.

The ticket rates have been kept reasonable, from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000, inspiring a good chunk of youngsters to head to the counters.

“I am happy that the rates don’t burn a hole in my pocket. So rest assured, we will all be there tomorrow, cheering for NEUFC,” said Hrishikesh Kalita, a management professional.

A collaborative effort between IMG-Reliance and All India Football Federation, the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League, involves eight franchises locking horns home and away over a 70-day period.

“The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium is now a world-class stadium with state-of-the-art infrastructure created for the league. The officials who had visited the venue have even said the stadium was probably the best in the country. This not only helped the city to host the matches but boosts Guwahati’s chance of playing host to the under-17 World Cup in 2017,” Assam sports minister Ajit Singh told The Telegraph.

The ISL, if properly, run could see a lot of gainful opportunities opening up for promising footballers and businesses alike for Guwahati and the region which is mostly in the news for militancy, strikes and general strikes.

The I-league drew attention towards Shillong Lajong and Shillong, the ISL should do the same for the region provided it is well organised and promoted, many here believe.

It might give a fillip to a region considered to have tremendous potential for tourism in particular and the hospitality industry in general. It is reflected in the sentiments of players, administrators and fans of the beautiful game.

“ISL offers an important platform for young football players of India, especially the Northeast, to showcase their skill and talent and make Indian football popular. Allen Deuri and Durga Boro have become household names and people are looking forward to watching them score for Northeast United,” said Gaurav Gogoi, Kaliabor MP and son of chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

Gaurav is said to be associated with Guwahati franchise and had even visited the ground in the run-up to D-day but denied any association with the team to The Telegraph.

North East United and the Kerala Blasters are being put up at the Radisson Blu here, the first five-star hotel in the Northeast.

“This being the first major event for us, we are giving our best,” Vikas Ray, the general manager of Radisson Blu, told The Telegraph today.

Ray said the entire available inventory of the hotel has been dedicated to the event.

“The stadium catering for the hospitality area is being done by us,” he said.

Among the important guests coming tomorrow are Sachin Tendulkar and Nita Ambani (founding chairperson of Football Sports Development, Reliance Group) besides co-owners of the other franchises.

After missing the IPL bus back in 2008 because of infrastructure bottlenecks, Guwahati seems to be back on track to be on the country’s sports map. Let’s football!