By Soumo Ghosh
AIFF Media Team
KOLKATA: Churchill Brothers have been on top form in the ongoing Hero I-League, having taken a three-point lead at the top of the table. A key part of their display so far this season has been a strong back-line that has conceded only three goals in seven outings, and the man who has partly been responsible for the same is their Manipuri defender Suresh Meitei.
Not too long ago, it was the same Suresh Meetei that led Services to glory in the 2019 Hero Santosh Trophy at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana. Moving forward together in the space of two years, the Manipuri now finds himself at the top of the Hero I-League table.
“It is amazing to think back to those times. Back then, I would not have thought that I would be playing for a side that is at the top of the league, but here we are,” smiled Suresh. “It has been a tough journey, but I’m enjoying it every bit of the way.”
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“Moving from the Hero Santosh Trophy to the Hero I-League has had a positive influence on my career. This is at a higher level, and I am really happy that I got this opportunity. I just want to make the full use of this now,” he continued.
Reflecting back on his days at Services, Suresh recalled the ‘proud’ moment when he led his side to the prestigious title in 2019.
“It was a really proud moment for me, to have won the Santosh Trophy. There are so many quality senior players that play that tournament,” he stated. “Having said that, now that I am in the Hero I-League, it is a completely different prospect. This league is a lot tougher, and there is a lot of competition here. There are no easy matches. So, I am really happy that I have been able to play regularly for a side that is at the top of the table.”
The robust tackler that he is, Suresh had caught the eye of the Churchill scouts two years ago, on the back of his performances in the Hero Santosh Trophy and the Durand Cup, where he was playing for Army Red.
While he had signed for Churchill last season itself, it is in the current campaign that the 26-year-old has become a regular fixture in the Red Machines defence.
“Our goal of the season is to be Champions of the Hero I-League. I want to contribute as much as I can to lift the trophy. The players are supported by the coaches and staff, without whom we would not have even reached until here. All of us play a crucial part in achieving this goal,” he said.
While the Churchill brigade is flying high above the rest on the Hero I-League, Suresh has his feet firmly planted on the ground.
“No matter where you are playing, you need to work hard, even in the Services team. It is a step-by-step process, and we are still working hard, day-in and day-out,” stated Suresh. “I had received some really good coaching back in Services as well, and that is helping me out today in the Hero I-League too.”
The Manipuri defender, who has made his fair share of goalline clearances this season, stated that with the remote support of the Churchill Brothers fans, the Red Machines are prepared to give it their all.
“I’d like to urge the fans to keep watching our matches Live on TV or on streaming because they can’t come to the stadiums now. We at Churchill will certainly give it our best to bring the trophy back home,” said Meitei.
