Ever since the start of the inaugural Hero Indian Super League (ISL), NorthEast United FC have been making slow but steady improvement. Often termed as the hotbed of Indian football, the north-east – through the league – has been presented fantastic exposure for players who could hardly get a foothold into playing the game on a professional basis.The ISL has unearthed some prodigious talents who, if nurtured well, could become great assets to the national team and also make a mark on the international stage. The experience this league has given the youngsters from the north-east is great as these talents get to rub shoulders with the likes of former World Cupper Joan Capdevila and even get coached by a world-renowned gaffer in Ricki Herbert.Reflecting the morale of the team ahead of their match in Chennai on November 8, three players of NorthEast United – goalkeeper Rehenesh TP, young midfielder Zodingliana and forward Seiminlen Doungel – uniformly hailed the impact that Herbert has had upon their club and its players in an exclusive chat with indiansuperleague.com.Zodingliana heaped praise on his manager “for giving me and young players from that part of the country an opportunity to play the game that we love – football. The impact that he has made is profound for we have exposure to players and coaches who are world class and are willing to give youth a chance to perform”. Echoing the sentiments of the 19-year-old midfielder is Seiminlen Doungel, a resident of Manipur. “Ricki’s impact is phenomenal as he is always asking us to learn from foreign players and always tries to improve our game”. ‘Len’ believes that the coach’s impact on the team is something that every player must cherish."I’d like to contribute to Indian football and I like the challenge and I feel very privileged."Ricki HerbertEven Rehenesh, the 21-year-old goalkeeper and current leader of the Golden Glove standings, had nothing but admiration for his head coach and turned a bit nostalgic when queried on the role Herbert has played. “In the first match, I made a mistake and it cost the team. But Ricki never let that mistake affect me. He had confidence in me. I want to say thank you to him because if I have come this far, it is purely down to the way he has mentored me. I am willing to do anything for a coach who has confidence in me and I am willing to do whatever Ricki Herbert wants me to,” the young star-in-the-making stated.Herbert, on the other hand, seems to be enjoying his Indian challenge. During a prematch press conference in Chennai, he had a wistful moment as he commented, “I probably had undertaken a similar exercise of punching above the weight back home in New Zealand and it is a sense of déjà vu. I have always been frank with the owners; this team here is a new team and a young team and we are right there and have surprised most people.” The Kiwi national was also optimistic that the sport in this country would thrive with the kind of talent he has seen closely. “Rehenesh is an absolute revelation. If I could stick around and contribute more to Indian football and if, along with me, other franchise managers can identify hidden football gems, that would be a massive step for Year 1. I’d like to contribute to Indian football and I like the challenge and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to manage a powerhouse in football,” he signed off.
