Kshetrimayum Malemnganba Meitei : Another Rising Star from the East

Indian Football Network
Manipur has always been the power house for football in India. We have produced great players like Tomba, Rennedy, Bijen, Manitombi and many others who have shown their skills and talents. Another star waiting to shine is Malemnganba Meitei from Yairipok in Thoubal district of Manipur.

Currently he is playing for HAL, Bangalore.

An article about him by Indian Football Networks writes, "His performances saw him bagging two man of the match awards and praises from Desmond Bulpin, the Indian Arrows coach. He has scored two match winning goals against ONGC and Mumbai FC".

According to him, "Speed & endurance must be maintained properly to overcome disadvantage of height". In an interview by Indian Football Network, Malemnganba said Manipuris has always loves sports. He further says there's great interest on football in Manipur. The reason why sports flourished in Manipur is because we have good crowds for every sport, football being the favorite of all. Football in Manipur is growing.

He adds that now we have a Manipur State League (MSL) and Super Division, 1st Division, 2nd Division and 3rd Division every year. NISA is performing well in 2nd Division I league, and soon we hope to see them qualify for I league.

Malemnganba in the interview says that, he was lucky to be coached by Premkanta and Ibomcha and he is greatly indebted to his coaches who helped him in every step. His first club was NEROCA.

According to the interview, he was first notice by the HAL officials when he was playing for NISA in the 2nd division I League. After seeing his performance at the final round at Bangalore, the HAL officials selected him for HAL when it got promoted in I League. It was in 2010 Malemnganba joined I league club HAL, and right now he is with their squad.

The interview further reminds us that he had represented Manipur in Santosh trophy held in Kolkata. He played as a striker and also scored a goal against J&K. He plays as attacking midfielder from left and right flanks for HAL. But, however at times, he has also played as a forward, when the team needed him in that role.

According to the interview, his most memorable game so far, in terms of his performances the match against Mumbai FC in Bangalore on 19th May, 2011 where he scored a goal and bagged the Man of the match award. He is Barcelona FC fan and likes Ronaldo from Brazil, and home star Baichung, Bijen and Chetrii.

He is also a recipient of player of the year award in Manipur and has scored most number of goals in a season in Manipur State League. Malemnganba is definitely a player to watch out for in future. His message for young aspiring footballers is to work hard to achieve your goal and never to lose heart during the journey.  
(Click link to get the entire intervierw at http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2011/06/04/malem-interview/ )

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