Star goalie Dheeraj eyeing for good show in U-19 AFC qualifiers

From A Correspondent

IMPHAL | Oct 15

Indian U-17 world cup goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem landed to a grand reception by well-wishers when he touched down at Imphal Tulihal International Airport today.

Despite the total shutdown call by underground outfits, challenging the forced merger of Manipur into Indian Union in 1949 this day and observing it as National Black Day, the young goalkeeper was mobbed by well-wishers, garlanding him with flowers and showered with money.

Dheeraj’s parents also accompanied him from Delhi. Dheeraj hails from Moirang which is about 40 kilometer from Imphal.

Dheeraj who has earned rare appreciations, from including USA coach and expert commentators for his daring display under the bar, was lost for words at the welcome he received despite the fact that India lost all theirs three matches and made a sad exit from the tournament.

Dheeraj acknowledging the support of the people said, “I am really happy to be accorded a warm welcome and I will keep working hard until my goals are achieved.”

He further said, “There is U-19 AFC qualifiers coming at Saudi Arabia and I am really looking forward to it. The team will be picked up from among the U-13 as well as U-17 players for the meet.”

Though refusing to divulge on offers by clubs in the aftermath of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, he said, ‘”I am not mature enough to speak about the offers.”

It may be mentioned that seven players including Indian skipper Amarjit Kiyam, Borish Thangjam, Jackson Thounaojam, Md.Shah Jahan, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Wangjam and Ninthoingamba Meitei had already arrived yesterday.

Except for Borish and Ningthoingamba who are from Imphal, all the other players reside in far flung villages of Manipur.

The state government has promised an incentive of Rs. 5 lakhs each to the eight players while Manipur sports minister Letpao Haokip has provided Rs 10,000 each to the eight players from his personal ends.

Meanwhile it is reported that several players of U-17 squad had received job offers, including from AIFF, but some are reluctant to put their signature to the dotted line because of the nature of contracts.

Some I-League as well as ISL teams are trying their best to rope in some of the leading players, including Dheeraj and Jeakson Singh.

Meantime, the All Manipur United Veteran Football Association will be felicitating the eight state footballers who donned Indian colour in FIFA U-17 World Cup at a simple function at Malom tomorrow at 10.30am.