I believe I can match the senior pros in I-League, claims Thoiba Singh Moirangthem

I believe I can match the senior pros in I-League, claims Thoiba Singh Moirangthem

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India’s young defensive sensation Thoiba Singh Moirangthem reckons he is good enough to match the senior pros in the physical battles in the Hero I-League. Thoiba further shared the positive impact his first professional season with Minerva Punjab FC during the 2018-19 season had on his game.

Although he is only 16-year-old, Thoiba has been making waves since his days in the India U-16 side that reached the quarterfinals of the AFC U16 Championships last year in Malaysia. He then made his professional debut — six other appearances — at the domestic level with Punjab FC in last year’s Hero I-League season and went on to lift the SAFF U18 Championship for his country in September this year.

As we head into the latest season of India’s old football league — scheduled to start from November 30 — Thoiba is confident that he can stand up to the challenge against physically stronger opponents. 

“I strongly believe that I am as good as them and there’s no reason why I cannot match them. On the night of the eve of matches, I visualise how I will face my opponents so as to gain an advantage on the pitch,” Thoiba told www.i-league.org, reported PTI.

He further spoke about how the experience of travelling around the country and sharing the dressing room with highly experienced players has helped him improve his game in multiple spheres.  “Playing in the I-League was a phenomenal experience. I learned a lot from it and it has made me a better player for sure. I have learned a lot — how to behave in situations, how to be disciplined in terms of my diet and punctuality and managing my rest with all the travel involved,” he said.

“Senior players such as Al Amna (Mahmoud) helped me a lot. They shared their experience and guided me on how to play on the field, keep myself fit and develop as a player. Sachin sir (former Minerva coach Sachin Badadhe) also taught me a great deal in terms of tactics and gave me the confidence to play my game,” Thoiba added.

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