Kolkata: The Indian Super League (ISL) from its opening season saw a chunk of Indian players from the Northeast region making a name for themselves. From Jeje Lalpekhlua to Jackichand Singh the list goes on. Seiminlen Doungel is one of the list to have made a name for himself in the cash-rich league. The forward will be representing FC Goa this season.
Len is looking to replicate the achievements made by his statemates. “In the past few years of ISL, you will see that Northeast players have been doing a great job as well as in the Indian team and its really grateful for us and when it comes to my personal performance, as a player sometimes there are ups and downs but then I think its important as a player to be better every day than yesterday,” Len told Sportslight Media in an exclusive interaction.
“I can say I will try to play well in the coming season.” A fan of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, Len started his career with East Bengal in 2011 before playing his trade for Pailan Arrows on loan the following year. He returned to East Bengal and then played for several clubs including Shillong Lajong, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United and others.
“My idol is from Brazil, his name is Ronaldinho, I enjoy the way how he plays and he is my favourite player,” said Len, who donned the senior India jersey thrice. However, the 26-year-old was quite optimistic about playing well in the upcoming AFC Champions for FC Goa.
“I am so excited, it’s a pleasure to play for FC Goa, I am going to represent them in the AFC champions League, its a big thing and we are looking for a great season ahead to perform well and to play well and that is why we are focusing on the coming time and I am really excited about the AFC Champions League,” he added.
While he was looking up to the fixture against the team he made a name for himself, East Bengal, who will be making their ISL debut, Len said, “Firstly I want to congratulate East Bengal club for coming up in the ISL. I am so happy for them. You know, it’s a club, one of the oldest in India and I really happy for them to be part of the ISL.
“Yeah, I will be very happy facing them because it’s the club where I signed professionally first. I still remember those times when I used to play for them in the I-league and it will be a great challenge because it’s a big club and it will be a big challenge for me to face them in the coming ISL season,” added Len.
However, with all matches in the upcoming season to be played behind closed doors, Len hopes that the Gaurs fans will show their support in whatever way possible.
“Firstly I want to thank them for unconditional support last season and this year because of the situation the fans are not allowed to be in the stadium but still I believe the fans will support through digital television, social media and we hope you guys will support through social media or in any way you can and will do a great job, we’ll have good season ahead through your support and we are trying hard to be good in coming ISL season, so thats my message for the fans and Forca Goa.”
