Sechü Zubza lifts 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

Kohima, October 5: Debutants Sechü Football Club today added another feather to its cap by emerging as the new champion of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy organized by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on the theme “Goal for Peace”.

Playing a closely contested final match of the three-week long tournament, Sechü Zubza defeated visitors from Manipur Asufü Football Academy by 2-1.

The champions found an early lead within the fourth minute of play through the boots of Thejasetuo Gwire. An excellent direct free-kick from Khiuwangbo Kaurinta in the 19 minute doubled the margin. In an unfortunate turn of events in the three minutes added time of the first half, Sechü Zubza were cut down to 10 players with the referee sending back Hemping to the bench with two yellow cards in the match, yet leading the first half by 2-0.

After the lemon break, the visitors from Manipur returned strong and did manage to cut the difference with a goal in the 58th minute through Suzülo Mao. Playing against 10 players, they also made continued strides to break the rivals for an equalizer, which they did score in the 70th minute but disappointing amidst the celebration assistant referee had the flag up for an offside.

Thereafter, Sechü Zubza did manage to defend their first half scores and emerged victorious to lift the prestigious trophy.

The NSF trophy is the fifth title for them as Sechü Zubza has emerged champions three times – Kohima Football League in 2018, Classic Club silver jubilee edition in 2019 and also the Captain Kenguruse Football Tournament 2024 Kohima edition while also being runners-up of KTC Super Cup 2018.

As champions, Sechü Zubza received the running trophy along with a cash award of Rs 3 lakh, medals and citations while runners-up Asufii FA bagged Rs 1.8 lakh with medals and citations.

Tournament semi-finalists – Circle FC Chedema and Asufü Christian Institute got Rs. 40,000 each while quarter-finalists – Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Michazou FC, Football for Change (F4C) Academy and former champions Red Sacrs received Rs 25,000 each.

The individual awardees are as follows:

Best Custodian – Thomas Sagolaem of Asufü Christian Institute; Best Defender – Walkhom Arunkumar of Asufü Football Academy; Best Midfielder – Mathanmi Ninshen of Asufü Football Academy while top scorer was shared by three persons – P. Sorormi Thinsang of Asufü Football Academy, Thoungoumang Touthang of Deilai FC and V.S Thotkadhar Zimik of Circle FC Chedema for scoring six goals each. The award was Rs 10,000 each with trophy and citation, except for shared prize.

Atlanson Kharmaw of Sechü Zubza FC received the player of the tournament award with trophy and cash Rs 50,000.

Nagaland Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K. G Kenye gracing the closing function as special guest lauded the efforts of the ASU in upholding sacrificial spirit of the martyrs and those sustained injuries during the NSF peaceful agitation in March 1986.

He also hoped that the tournament would bring together the Nagas and continue to spread the message of peace and unity.

Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Manipur MLA L. Dikho, Ex-MLA and former ASU President Medo Yokha, NSF President Medovi and Miss Grand India Nagaland 2024, Miss Nagaland 2023 & Miss Chümoukedima 2023 Neiketuno Sechü and 24th NSF MM Trophy Organising committee Convenor Vizokho Zashümo gave away the awards to the winners.

Lenen Jamir and Ketou Zuyie enthralled the audience as guest artists of the final match.

The closing function was chaired by ASU general secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso.

(Page News Service)