DIMAPUR, AUG 2 (NPN): Nagaland football reached another milestone with Kivilu K. Kiba and Hiti Seb representing FC Banaras Baghpat in the ongoing 135th Durand Cup, one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.
Kiba has become the first coach from Nagaland to be part of a club’s coaching staff in the Durand Cup, while Seb continues to showcase Naga talent on one of Indian football’s biggest stages.
The duo were also members of the FC Banaras Baghpat side that won the I-League 3 title earlier this year, making their appearance in the Durand Cup another significant achievement in their football journey.
FC Banaras Baghpat will play its final Group Stage match against the Indian Army Red Football Team on August 5 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, as it looks to conclude its campaign on a positive note.
Speaking about the experience, Kiba described his participation in the tournament as an honour and thanked God, his family, mentors, head coach Vivik Singh and FC Banaras Baghpat for their trust and support.
He said working under Singh had been a valuable learning experience and praised the head coach’s commitment to developing Indian football. Kiba added that winning the I-League 3 championship and participating in the Durand Cup had helped him grow professionally, expressing hope that more coaches and footballers from Nagaland would reach similar heights in the future.
Kiba also lauded Seb for his discipline, work ethic and willingness to learn, saying the young footballer has the potential to reach the highest level of Indian football. He expressed confidence that Seb’s journey would inspire aspiring footballers from Nagaland.
Encouraging young players, Kiba said talent may earn recognition, but attitude and hard work are what create champions. He urged aspiring footballers never to underestimate themselves, regardless of their current role in a team, noting that many successful players were once overlooked but succeeded because they never stopped believing in themselves.
On football development in Nagaland, Kiba said competitions such as the Nagaland Super League and the Dr. T. Ao Trophy have created valuable opportunities for players to develop and showcase their abilities.
He observed that the Nagaland Super League has raised the standard of competition in the state, while the Dr. T. Ao Trophy continues to serve as an important platform for identifying talent. Stressing the importance of regular competition, Kiba expressed hope that such tournaments would continue, providing players and coaches with opportunities to grow and prove themselves.
The participation of Kiba and Seb in the Durand Cup, following their I-League 3 triumph, marks another proud chapter for Nagaland football and reflects the growing presence of Naga talent on the national stage.
