The year 2014 has been kind on 22-year-old goalkeeper Rehenesh TP. It has also been a year of many ‘firsts’ for him. Rehenesh had a successful beginning with Shillong Lajong FC in the Hero I-League and then was sensational for NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). In fact, former national goalkeeping coach Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, too, went on record to praise his efforts in ISL 2014.Last season, his tally boasted of an incredible 17 saves out of 21 shots fired in his direction. In an exclusive interview with www.indiansuperleague.com, Rehenesh T.P. poured his heart out on playing for the John Abraham-owned ISL side, “It feels great! I am very happy to be with the team for the upcoming season. Looking forward to a good campaign.”Rehenesh was the star performer for the Highlanders in between the sticks last campaign and he also expressed his enthusiasm about the club’s new marquee signing - a certain Portuguese wing wizard, “I’m excited about Simão [Sabrosa]! It would be an amazing experience playing alongside such a world-class player. [Joan] Capdevila will pass the baton on to him this season. He is a great human being.”Not only do the club have a new marquee player, but a new head coach at the helm. “César Farías is only 42 and a ‘new generation’ coach. I think it will be a good experience to work under him.” Rehenesh remarked as he looked forward to the 2015 ISL journey with the Venezuelan.He would prefer to be called a ‘sweeper-keeper of sorts’, often acting as the second line of defense. But he owes all of this to the adulation that comes from the home crowd, “They’re our biggest strength. Irrespective of us winning or losing, they’re always with us. At times, it gets overwhelming – they would also end up interacting with us via text messages!”NorthEast United finished their inaugural ISL campaign rock bottom but their fans sang vociferously right until the very end. Rehenesh wants to repay them for their unbridled support on the field, “We hope to perform better for them this season.”Rehenesh also expressed positivity about hitting the top 4 this time, “Last year, we lacked experience. We started off well but our form dropped. This year, we want to stay on top.”Optimism is at an all-time high in the NorthEast United FC camp and they kick-off their 2015 season against last year’s finalists Kerala Blasters FC. The match will be played on 6th October, 7pm IST.
