Happy to back foreign players: Thangboi

By Our Correspondent

Shillong, Jan 24: Shillong Lajong will be looking for their foreign recruits to deliver the goods after they were handed a shock defeat by city rivals and I–League debutant Royal Wahingdoh FC in the local derby last week.

The hosts will be bolstered by the return of their foreign players including last season’s tied top scorer in the I–League, Cornell Glen, Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza and new signing, Nigerian midfielder Penn Orji.

Orji was introduced to the local media during the pre–match press conference here on Saturday.

Lajong Club captain Aibor Khongjee who was not available for Lajong’s first match due to a rib injury is expected to return for tomorrow’s game.

Mumbai FC too had a losing start to their 2015 I–League campaign when Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan thumped them 3–1.

At the pre–match press conference, Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said, “Glen came on as substitute last match as well but with the addition of Uilliams and Penn, we all know that good quality foreigners tend to always make a difference. So we are very happy to have them back”.

When asked about the previous loss to city rivals Royal Wahingdoh FC Thangboi replied, “That game is gone now, we start thinking fresh, we start thinking new and with the foreigners and Aibor Khongjee coming back we will have more quality and experience in the next match”.

Lajong have a better head to head record against Mumbai FC and its coach Khalid Jamil reiterated the fact that his team does not fancy playing in Shillong.

“Playing in Shillong is very difficult and playing against Thangboi’s team is even more difficult. I don’t like playing here because they play well at their home ground and the weather here is too cold. So tomorrow we have to fight hard to overcome these difficulties,” Jamil said.

New signing Josimar Da Silva who was identified as the man to solve the problem up front might be ruled out for the match against Shillong Lajong.

Khalid Jamil added, “Three or four of my players are injured and I don’t know if they will start or not. Josimar is doubtful too.”