By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay
I-League Media Team

NEW DELHI: The youngsters clad in Royal’s jersey would certainly motivate themselves from the senior team’s merrier ride in Hero I-League last season. Finishing in third position on their inception in the biggest stage of Indian football had been an exceptional anecdote indeed; not only the Royal Wahingdoh colts but whole nation could draw inspiration from their breathtaking run in the Hero I-League. The colts would certainly strive to emulate their seniors while they unfurl U-18 I-League campaign tomorrow against debutant Sports Authority of India.

With just one draw from possible three outings, the Shillong-based-team faded away too early last season. Shillong Lajong FC and group leaders Chanmari FC got the better of Wahingdoh quite convincingly while Aizawl FC shared points with them. Definitely Royal Wahingdoh have more ammo in their arsenal this time and their quiver is well equipped. Gaffer Bobby L Nongbet have successfully built a team around a few pivots and convinced to fare well in the upcoming tournament, “We have a good, strong and most importantly spirited side and are looking forward to a great tournament.”

Narayan Chettri has been the pillar in the defense who can certainly tame down any attack with his undaunted attitude. The defence line hovers around the big guy and he’s enough matured to soak in the pressure.  Ajay Chettri, the person with the armband, is a jovial character and an ideal bloke to lead the team. 100% team man, supportive to teammates and a sturdy lad in the deep midfield summarises Ajay.

S Prikanta Singh, Shaibor Nongrum and L Pradeep Kumar are the main attackers upfront. The perfect no. 9 Prikanta could cause major damage to the rival team on any given day. Shaibor is the fastest bloke of the team whose lethal passes from flank can knockout any defense while Pradeep heaves on the attack from right wing. Although Bobby prefers a 4-3-3 lineup with these chaps in the attack, they combine well amongst themselves deceptively and flummox their opponents with utmost aptitude.