Jeje Lalpekhlua first announced himself on the Indian football scene towards the end of the 2010-11 Hero I-League season. As a 19-year-old youngster, Jeje managed to score 13 goals in the campaign, playing for Pailan Arrows. The striker from Mizoram earned grand plaudits with the most flattering being comparisons with one Baichung Bhutia.

Fast forward four years and Jeje has transformed from being a promising youngster to a regular fixture in the Indian national team as well as top I-League clubs. With the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League last year, the 24-year-old took his rising pedigree one step further with some stellar displays for Chennaiyin FC. He scored 4 goals in the League, making him the top Indian scorer of ISL Season 2014.

Unsurprisingly, the India international is one of the Indian players retained by the Chennai outfit for the second season. ISL caught up with the star striker who is a part of the national team involved in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Asked about his thoughts ahead of his second season with Chennaiyin FC, Jeje said, “First of all, I am very excited to play at the Marina Arena [Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai]. It’s always a treat to play for the fans of Chennai and Chennaiyin FC. They have been fantastic all throughout. From the very first day, they have packed the stadium in large numbers and have cheered us on.”

The hardworking attacker won the I-League with Mohun Bagan this season and will be looking forward to carrying the winning momentum into this season’s ISL. “I won the I-League last season (2014-15) with Mohun Bagan. Hopefully, it will help me a lot for this ISL. Winning is necessary in sports.”

Discussing how it felt to be a part of a Chennaiyin FC dressing room with the likes of Elano, Bernard Mendy and Marco Materazzi, Jeje said, “Pulse went racing when I first heard about them coming to India. You get to learn a lot from them, right from the training sessions, which is essential for Indian players. They provide a lot of learning opportunities.”

The striker was particularly impressed with teammate and last year’s ISL top scorer, Elano. “As a person, he’s a nice guy, very humble. The first time I met him, he was very friendly. He provided me very fruitful tips on how to play as a striker. It was important for me, especially the part where he told me how to run and enjoy my space.”

Jeje, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo, also expressed his excitement at the prospect of partnering Fikru upfront this season. The Ethiopian was an integral part of the title-winning Atlético de Kolkata side during last ISL and will be donning the Chennaiyin jersey this time on. “There’s no doubt that he’s a good player. He did a good job for Kolkata last season. I’m excited to play with him. His fighting spirit is admirable, very feisty. Always chases for the ball once he loses possession.”

After Chennaiyin narrowly missed out from making it to the final last year, the man from Mizoram has his eyes firmly fixed on the title this time and urged the fans to egg him on. “Thanks for the support, but I need more of it. Without the fans, I cannot go along. See you at the Marina Arena!”