PriyankaKOHIMA — For Hiti Seb, an 18-year-old football prodigy from Nagaland, joining the reserve team of NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) has been a dream come true. Since joining the club two months ago, Seb has embraced the honor of playing for NEUFC and is resolute in his ambition to rise through the ranks.
Seb, who plays as a striker, is currently on a two-year contract with NEUFC. In a recent interview with Eastern Mirror at Nehru Stadium in Guwahati, Seb reflected on his initial months with the club. “I am really happy to play for NEUFC because it’s a very big club and to get an opportunity to play is an honour. I am very grateful to the club. Whenever I play, it’s always an amazing feeling to play for the northeast,” he shared enthusiastically.
Seb emphasized that NEUFC is one of the premier clubs for young talents in India. He expressed optimism that if he performs well and remains dedicated, more opportunities will come his way. However, securing game time is a significant challenge, with 29 players all vying for the same chance to shine on the field. “Football is a competitive sport and to get game time is very tough. All my teammates are also very good. So it’s always a competition to get game time among us,” he noted.
Seb has already showcased his talent by participating in prestigious tournaments like the Independence Cup in Mizoram and the Climate Cup in Ladakh. His daily routine at NEUFC involves rigorous field training sessions and intensive gym workouts from Monday to Saturday, with Sundays reserved for rest. The coaching staff consistently pushes the players to their limits, demanding their best efforts.
Seb’s journey in football began at the tender age of seven, inspired by the legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi and the thrilling 2014 World Cup. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, it was his unwavering faith in God that kept him motivated during tough times. Hailing from Tseminyu district, Seb’s family, particularly his parents, have been his strongest pillars of support. They have always encouraged him to chase his dreams, providing him with the motivation to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.
Seb harbors aspirations of playing in top national football leagues like the Indian Super League. He also wishes to use his football prowess to glorify God and serve others. Although he missed the chance to play alongside Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, Seb now dreams of teaming up with Mizoram footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte. Additionally, he has a deep-seated desire to play for Barcelona.
In a heartfelt message to the people of Nagaland, Seb emphasized the importance of supporting children who wish to pursue non-traditional careers such as sports, arts, or music. He encouraged individuals to explore their unique talents and use them to glorify God. Drawing inspiration from the football successes of neighboring states like Manipur and Mizoram, Seb urged Nagas to follow their example and contribute to the state’s overall development.
Balancing his football career with academics, Seb is currently pursuing Class 12 through distance education and will be appearing for his final examinations next month. He confidently manages his time, ensuring that both his studies and football commitments receive adequate attention.
Before joining NEUFC, Seb played for Sudeva Delhi FC for six years and had stints with Tarun Sangha Football Club and Rajasthan United FC last year. His journey so far has been marked by growth and development.
Suhel Nair, NEUFC head of youth development and head coach of the under-17 team, praised Seb’s potential and performance in training. “We see a lot of potential in him,” Nair stated confidently. He expressed optimism that Seb would get more opportunities if he maintains his current trajectory. Nair highlighted that the reserve team serves as a platform for players to showcase their abilities rather than solely focusing on winning or setting records. In recent tournaments, 26 out of 29 players have seen action, emphasizing the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for all players.
The club plans to explore Tripura and Nagaland for scouting new talents and implementing development projects within the next six to eight months. Nair stressed that ample game time is crucial for young players’ development, especially those in under-17 or reserve teams.
Regarding Bokato Awomi, who was listed under the ‘probables’ category in June, Nair mentioned that while they are monitoring him, Bokato needs to meet certain standards at the club. They may call him for training sessions to assess his progress.
Overall, NEUFC is committed to nurturing young talents like Hiti Seb and providing them with opportunities to grow and succeed in their football careers.
