Semswi AK, age 16, a former player of Ukhrul FC CML Tata Trust Grassroots Football at Patkai Christian Academy have been selected by the Bangalore Youth Football League (FL) and enrolled in BYFL’s High-Performance Coaching Program (HPCP) as well.
Samswi is a Maram Naga, hailing from T-Khullen, Senapati district, Manipur. When asked regarding the signing of a contract with the BYFL, he said, “BYFL will take care of all my studies from college fees to mess fees, accept my pocket money. I am very happy to sign a contract as it’s the first time in my life.”
Semswi’s message to the Ukhrul FC Academy students and other budding footballers is, “Work hard, believe in yourself and never give up.”
Semswi is happy to be back in Bangalore which he calls his second home as he completed most of his schooling and spent his childhood days from there.
However, he misses his former football club, Ukhrul FC and expressed his enriching moments. “I am very grateful to the Ukhrul FC for harnessing my skills and shaping my career in football through their intensive training. Had it not been by them, I won’t be where I am now. I am glad that I got the chance to play with almost all the Tangkhul Naga Football stars like Sir Reisangmi Vashum during the district tournament. I hope Ukhrul FC will give me the chance to play when I come back,” said Semswi.
Semswi aims to play for I-League. His favourite footballer is Lionel Messi.
“Semswi is very disciplined, health-conscious and good in studies. He maintain balance between sports & academics. Ukhrul FC Board Members & Management Team wish him the best in all his endeavours,” said Reisangmi Vashum, Technical Director, Ukhrul FC.
By
Phungchamnao Ranreiphi Kharei
