By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay
I-League Media Team

NEW DELHI: No wonder Shillong Lajong would push their limits to make it a mark this season in the U-18 I-League. After their disastrous u-19 I-League campaign last season, Lajong are regrouped and rejuvenated to turn the table now. Definitely they’re going to hit the gas against Guwahati FC on their opening fixture, which is scheduled on Saturday.

Lajong could assimilate only four points from three outings last year and could not move beyond the group stage. The upsetting loss against Aizawl FC left a big hole in their campaign which they never could fill up. They crashed out of the tourney with a solitary win against local rivals Royal Wahingdoh, indeed a blemished outing for the vibrant outfit who always come up with free-flowing innovative football.

Sheen Stevenson Sohktung is the vital cog in the attacking third who have netted quite a few goals last season. While other doesn’t fall much behind, coach wants to stick with Sohktung as he commands tremendous authority in aerial balls. His sheer pace and lethal strikes from inside the box could be devastating for opponents.

Mebankhraw Wallang, the linchpin in the defense line makes his presence felt by the opponents as well. The man with the armband is idyllic in the backline and leads the team superbly even in the rough days. Alison, head coach of Shillong Lajong U-18 team, prefers to deploy his pawns in 4-2-3-1 format with the sole striker Sohktung.

“It is imperative to build the team not to win only today but to keep winning in the future. The Boys have been training very hard and have been giving good performances during their training session”, indeed the gaffer means business and his bull’s eye is not just flashy wins but a long-term team which would be befitting for the senior team as well, “We have to be consistent throughout and stick together as a team. The boys must nurture their dreams to make into the senior team, eventually the National team.”