On August 31st, NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) were received at the King Shaka International Airport by local media in Durban and the South African Football Association (SAFA). The reception was warm and wonderful, and the squad was cheered by a large Indian contingent at the airport.Ex-Portugal midfielder Simão Sabrosa, who is the Guwahati-based side’s marquee signing for the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), soon joined the team in Durban. A dinner was hosted by the SAFA for the ISL team at the team hotel. Members of the South African Parliament were also present.The next day, the team attended a joint press conference hosted by the SAFA, the South African Indoor Football Association (SAIFA), and Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams Maritzburg FC and AmaZulu FC to flag off the pre-season training session. The Highlanders will play two friendlies against Maritzburg and AmaZulu in the coming days.The NorthEast United FC squad was also given a tour of the Moses Mabhida Stadium – one of the venues that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.The John Abraham-owned club will play its first match of Hero ISL 2015 on October 6th against Season 1 runners-up Kerala Blasters FC in the latter’s backyard.
