Lalthuammawia Ralte began his career with Shillong Lajong and has come a long way, from his humble beginnings in Mizoram to becoming the first pick in the 2015 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) Draft for NorthEast United FC. The club was quick to add the local boy to their squad after monitoring his progress with the 2013-14 Hero I-League champions Bengaluru FC. His performances for the Blues in his debut season was a testament to his meteoric rise and turned him into one of the most sought-after young goalkeeping talents in Indian football.

Having missed out on the first season of the ISL, Ralte seemed upbeat when asked about being the first pick for his team. “I am super excited about playing in the Hero ISL. It is different from the I-League and presents its own set of challenges. There is a lot to learn and I am hoping that I will grow as a player over the course of the league,” Ralte told NorthEast United FC’s official website.

Ralte, more fondly known as Mawia, drew plenty of interest from NEUFC after racking up 20 appearances for Bengaluru FC in his first season, including stellar displays against the likes of Salgaocar and eventual I-League Champions Mohun Bagan. “He is talented, there is no doubt about that. His footwork is good and he anticipates danger well which is an asset for any good goalkeeper. His shot-stopping abilities are wonderful, so is his positioning. He picked quite a few Man-Of-The-Match awards for Bengaluru FC last season. It is dangerous to rely on one goalkeeper in such an intense league. That is why we had to go for Mawia. The best thing in my opinion, is the way he has matured ever since he left Shillong Lajong,” NEUFC assistant coach Santosh Kashyap said of Ralte.

The youngster was clearly thrilled to be a part of his local team and cannot wait to get on the pitch to show his talent in front of the local crowd. “It will definitely feel good to play in front of home support as I will be essentially home, I was following the Draft on television and I jumped when I was picked. I cannot wait for the experience to start,” Ralte averred.

He went on to add: “I will give my hundred percent for the club. I hope we can make the fans proud! Go NorthEast United!”

The Highlanders start their Hero ISL campaign on October 6^th when they take on last season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi.