Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has advised young footballers to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL). The Hero ISL has revolutionized football in India ever since its inception in 2014 and Jeje encouraged youngsters to grab the opportunities provided to them with both hands.

"Compared to our time back in 2007-2008, when I turned professional, we never got such facilities like it is now in the Hero ISL. Now, things have changed. Players are very important to take Indian football to the next level now. Players now are very lucky to get these opportunities. They need to grab these with both hands and make use of it," Jeje told ISL Media.

Jeje also praised the various grassroot level programmes implemented by the Hero ISL clubs and hopes that youngsters work hard enough to build their careers with the help of these initiatives. “In my career, the first proper coaching I got was when I was 17 years old. If I had gotten the coaching earlier like when I was 7-8 years old, surely, I could have got much better as a footballer. If they (youngsters) work hard, everything will fall into place. But, mainly, it is up to them to make a career," he said.          

One of the most dangerous Indian strikers in the league, Jeje has won the Hero ISL with Chennaiyin on two occasions and is the highest goal-scorer for the Marina Machans. With 23 goals in 69 appearances, he is only behind Sunil Chhetri when it comes to Indian goal-scorers in the Hero ISL. After missing the whole of last season with an injury, Jeje will be raring to go in the seventh edition of the Hero ISL.