Aizawl FC will miss their supporters in I-League: Princewill Emeka
NEW DELHI: Aizawl Football Club will miss the drumbeats and constant cheering of their supporters in the stands this time around, says the team's newest foreign recruit Princewill Emeka as the former I-League champions prepare to launch their campaign in January.
"Aizawl FC supporters have been the real backbone of the club and they stay very vocal on matchdays. They are the real 12th man of Aizawl FC. But, if you are playing against them, they make your life tougher," Emeka told i-league.org
"We'll miss the drumbeats, constant cheering from the stands this time. Obviously, we are sad but we are determined to win the trophy for them," he said.
Aizawl FC were crowned champions in 2016-17.
The 14th edition of I-League will kick-off on January 9 in Kolkata. All 11 teams will face each other once in the first leg of the league before they are divided into two different groups.
Top six teams, according to the points table, will face each other once again to decide the winner whereas the other five teams will play against each other in a one-leg league format. The team with maximum points -- cumulative tally from all 15 matches -- will be declared the winner.
The tournament will be hosted adhering to the Covid-19 SOPs released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and no spectator will be allowed inside the stadiums during matches.
Emeka scored three goals in 15 outings for debutants TRAU FC in the last edition of the I-League. Prior to that, he had played an instrumental role in helping the Manipur-based outfit win the Second Division League 2018-19 and earn promotion.
The Nigerian further mentioned that Aizawl FC coach Stanley Rozario played a crucial role in convincing him to sign for the former champions.
"I had a long discussion with coach (Stanley Rozario) before signing here. He followed my game since long and he was convinced about my ability. Now, the onus is on me to repay and score more goals. If we can play to our true potential, we can win the Hero I-League once again," the 28-year-old player said. IANS
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