New Delhi: Indian Super League will have a new venue when NorthEast United host Mumbai City at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. NorthEast are based out of Guwahati and usually play their home games at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
But since NorthEast represent a region of eight states, the club management has decided to spread their base and will host three matches in Shillong, starting with the Mumbai game, followed by Bengaluru FC and East Bengal on February 21 and March 8, respectively.
NorthEast have earlier played in Shillong during their victorious Durand Cup campaign where they defeated Mohun Bagan in the final in Kolkata.
It opened up the possibility and the club has received an encouraging response for tickets for the Mumbai game, NEUFC CEO Mandar Tamhane said.
“When we played the semi-final of the Durand Cup against Shillong Lajong here, it was an eye opener for me even though I’ve been involved in Indian football for over 25 years,” Tamhane told ISL Media.
“The online tickets were sold out in 12 minutes and there were 5km long queues for physical tickets. Fan parks in different districts were also jam-packed.
“We are a club representing eight states and we always wanted to bring football to parts of the Northeast. Seeing the response we got for the Durand Cup, reaffirmed our decision to come to Shillong this season itself.”
State govt support crucial
Tamhane said the club was grateful for receiving support from the Meghalaya government in their endeavour.
NorthEast are currently fourth in the ISL standings with 29 points after 19 matches, and drew their last game 2-2 against Odisha FC away in Bengaluru.
They have local connect in the form of forward Redeem Tlang, who expressed his excitement to see the arrival of Indian football’s top-flight tournament in his home town.
“It’s a very special moment for me personally and also for the people of Meghalaya to experience ISL matches in Shillong,” Tlang, who began his professional career at Shillong Lajong FC, said.
“ISL is the top league in the country and to have it come to your home is an incredible feeling. People all over Meghalaya love football. Football is like a religion in Shillong. It’s the first game that you play when you grow up here.”
NorthEast signed defender Sumit Rathi on a free transfer from league leaders Mohun Bagan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
NorthEast United usually play their ISL home games in Guwahati but will host Mumbai City at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
