After national duty, it’s payback time

The conundrum for coach Harjinder Singh is over. 18 goals in four matches in the Administrator's Cup from Daniel Lalhlimpuia and the faith he had reposed in the coveted member of the Chandigarh Football Academy, has paid off. Before the start of the tournament Harjinder was not even sure whether Daniel and AZ Lalramzauva, his two players blessed with wonderful pair of feet, would feature in the starting line-up of the team as the two were away on duty for the national team for the AFC Under-16 Championship at Iran. "Their presence add extra 40 to 50 percent muscle to the team," Harjinder had said.

Daniel, with those mind-boggling goals and the extra bite which Lalramzauva has added to the team, clearly shows why these players have become such an integral part of the Chandigarh team over the years. Now, there is so much intensity, such collective will to win in this Chandigarh team that it has gone four straight games without conceding a single goal and instead pumped in 58 goals- a wonderful effort from the team which will now face Dalbir Academy from Patiala in the final to be played on Tuesday.

If Daniel has successfully adhered to his duty of scoring goals for the team and Lalramzauva, or Arjit as he is fondly called by his team members, has orchestrated the midfield unfailingly, then Mohammad Sajid Dhot has brought an extra dimension to the team at the heart of the team's defence that already has the services of experienced Nishu Kumar. "Sajid's presence has certainly strengthened our defence. He is tall, strong and good in the air. If he stays with us for another few months, then I am sure he will also improve his foot work. He is a delight to watch," shared Harjinder.

... contd.

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