12 players from Nagaland were selected for Bundesliga U-13 trials (national) during the two-day football trials for scouting Under-13 players from Nagaland which culminated on April 6 at the Astro Turf Football ground, Police Complex, Chümoukedima. Organised by Dimapur Sporting Club (DSC) in partnership with Big Hit and Bundesliga International, the event was part of the group’s the Bundesliga Dream initiative to identify and scout Under-13 and Under-15 football teams from across India.
After a thorough and rigorous selection process, the organisers announced the lists of players who will move forward to the national trials in Mumbai: Nitova Swu, Yonglong Konyak, Erang Sibe Zelui, Asa Ayemi, Seisanglun Kilong, Sehzinlal Thangzeo, Lalminkai Thompson, Bendangchen Longkumer, Nitoka Tamang, Nipuka Awomi, Kaiminlen and Sehboigin.
A total of five coaches were present to oversee the trials which included three rounds of play-offs. This was to ensure that each participant would be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent to the officiating coaches.
According to observations made by the coaches, they noted the impressive raw talent present amongst each of the players but admitted that, more training needed to be instilled within them. These include teaching them the basic technical tactics such as corner kick, free kick, etc.
Nevertheless, the officials were confident that the best twelve players have been selected during the two-day preliminary trials and hoped a few would be selected at the national level.
As for the selected players, the organisers have announced that the final trials will be held at the Titans turf in Mumbai on April 13 and 14. Meanwhile, DSC revealed that future selection trials will be held for Under-16 players of FC Bayern Youth Club from June this year as well.