Hitova Ayemi is playing for DSK Shivajians in the ongoing Durand Cup
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 2
Living up his passion for the game, Hitova Ayemi, an 18-year-old right-footed striker from Kohima, has made his debut along with his club, DSK Shivajians Football Club, a Pune-based I-League Club at the ongoing Durand Cup this year.
Standing just 5.6 foot tall, Ayemi joins the likes of Lorinthung Jami Lotha of Merapani Foothill village, who played for Mohun Bagan I- League U-19 last year and more recently Khwetelhi Thopi, a 25-year-old winger from Chizami village under Phek district, who moved to newly promoted I-League side Aizawl FC for the 2015–16 seasons.
Ayemi was playing junior I-league for his club but made it to the senior team at Durand Cup which started in New Delhi on August 28 and concludes on September 11. Twelve teams are competing at the 128th edition of the oldest football tournament in Asia and the third oldest tournament in the world. Durand Cup started way back in 1888.
Hailing from the State capital Kohima, the proud son of Er Hotovi Ayemi had represented his school, Assam Valley School, in various football tournaments across the country during his school days.
After his 10th standard, he was invited by Lajong Football Club, Shillong and after a short stint went to South Korea where he trained for 2 months.
On his return, Ayemi was selected by the DSK Shiviajians Football Academy when the club came to Shillong scouting for young players.
The Pune-based academy was set up in collaboration with Liverpool Football Club. The academy players are trained under the guidance of coaches from English club.
He has been in the academy for more than two years now and has represented DSK Shivajians FC in the AIFF I-League U-18 during 2015-16.
The Club will be also play the 2016-17 season of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) I-league, the top football league in India.
At the ongoing Durand Cup, the Club registered a historic 2-1 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa in their first-ever appearance on August 28 and beat Gangtok Himalayan SC 2-1 in the subsequent game on August 31.
Talking about his passion and taking up football professionally, Ayemi told the Morung Express that he got introduced to football at a very young age so the passion for the game started early.
“The passion itself is a motivation. I love the game,” he said.
However, playing professionally also come with huge challenges and responsibilities.
“The first obstacle is always yourself,” Ayemi said as a matter of fact adding that living a disciplined life is not always a cake walk.
“That's the hardest fight,” he insists. Apart from that, he feels that Nagaland should try to promote football as it is one of the fields where the state has huge potential.
“I believe there are so many promising players but because of the lack of opportunity, poor infrastructure, and no proper guidance, the talent is wasted.”
Talking about his future plan, Ayemi said that while playing in big arena is the dream of every player, his motive is special. “Of course, that's every footballer's dream. But mine is special; because I get to not only represent Nagaland but also change the mindset of my people.”
Ayemi advises Naga football talents to follow their dreams. If you have the passion and determination in any field, nothing is impossible, he says.
When queried about his favourite player or team, Ayemi diplomatically maintained that he admires the play of all teams. “They all have a unique play. But I have a soft spot for Liverpool,” he admits.
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