DDFA set to revive football league in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, SEP 13 (NPN): The Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) is set to revive competitive football league in the district with the inaugural edition of the Dimapur District Football League-cum-Late Hevito Memorial Trophy, featuring eight clubs.
Addressing a press conference, DDFA assistant general secretary, Keyi Putlang, informed that the tournament, scheduled to commence on September 15 at the Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium, will see Thahekhu Youth FC, Don Bosco Sports Academy, Kachari Sports Football Club, Dimapur United Sporting Club, East Dimapur Sumi Sports Association, Zeliangrong Village Youth Club, Indisen Football Club and A.K.I.T.O FC compete for the championship.
Also addressing the gathering, DDFA president Mughato Aye, said that the league was aimed at opening a new chapter for football in Dimapur, where regular district-level activities had been limited in recent years.
He said that unlike open knockout tournaments, a league would provide players with multiple matches and greater opportunities to gain experience and improve. He also added that the present edition will follow a single-leg format owing to time constraints, meaning each team will play seven matches.
The president also said that the association had sought support from several financially capable individuals over the past two to three years, before Advisor Tovihoto Ayemi and his family agreed to sponsor the initiative.
He said the league had been conceptualised as an avenue to create opportunities for Dimapur’s youth and rebuild the district’s footballing legacy.
It was further informed that the tournament would also serve as a platform for identifying players for the Dimapur district team for the upcoming Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Championship, scheduled to be held in Mokokchung from October 12.
It was also informed that two coaches appointed for the tournament will also serve as selectors and are expected to attend all league matches.
Around 25 to 30 players will initially be shortlisted, followed by a one-week coaching camp, after which the final 20-member Dimapur district team will be selected.
The DDFA president said the league was being conducted under the aegis of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), with the district association seeking to strengthen football at the grassroots and district level.
He also said that the senior league had no age restriction, while the association planned to introduce junior categories, including Under-18 or Under-19, from the next edition.
The total prize money for the league and championship has been fixed at Rs. 4.8 lakh, while adding that another incentive for players, Nili Motors (Nili Nissan) will sponsor the Man of the Match award for every game, comprising a certificate and cash prize.
The association said the opening programme on September 15 would begin at 2:30 p.m., with entry free for spectators on the opening day.
Calling for public support, the DDFA president said the association was seeking to rebuild Dimapur’s position as a football powerhouse and urged football lovers to fill the stadium and encourage the participating teams.
The president also acknowledged the efforts of DDFA members, advisers, colleagues and well-wishers who had worked on improving the Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium ahead of the tournament.
Later, DDFA AGS, Keyi Putlang announced the collaboration with local sports digital platform Sports Matrix to provide live updates, match highlights and records of the tournament.
The platform will enable football followers to access details such as goalscorers, goal times, yellow cards and match officials, while preserving match records for future reference.