If there is a good vibe and buzz around Indian football at the end of the year, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say much of it comes off the back of Bengaluru Fc’s outstanding performance in 2016.
Not only did the club build on their fledgling but impressive resume with another league title, they also became the first Indian club to reach the final of the AFC Cup.
An achievement that put Indian football back on the map and a topic of conversation.
And at the heart of their performance is midfield magician Eugeneson Lyngdoh.
The city is home away from home for the Bishop Cotton Boys school alumnus and with his performances, it’s safe to say that Bengaluru has more than willingly adopted the Shillong lad.
Asked what were the highlights of 2016 for the club and himself, the medio was quick on the take. “Reaching the final of the AFC was the highlight, of course. My own performance, I think in that run was alright. Not that great,” he said, talking about the high standards he has set for himself.
With Albert Roca taking over the mantel of as head coach from Ashley Westwood during their incredible run at the Asian tournament, Lyngdoh played across the midfield.
“Under Roca, I played two games in the left and then two in the middle. It's all according to the tactics. Sometimes I played number 10 role, or on the wing or a number 6,” he remarked, ever the team man.
With such remarkable season behind them, what more is the team expecting this season? What’s the drive?
“We are very motivated to try and secure the title in the I-League again. I want to do better than last year. Our motivation is to do better than what we did last year. We reached the final of the AFC Cup this time so we want to do better than what we did last time. That's the motivation of course.
“I-League, we won it and we want to keep it and keep ourselves as the champion. I also want to see that fulfilled,” said the 30-year-old.
With close season signings Harmanjot Khabra, Lenny Rodrigues and Mandar Rao Dessai among others adding depth to the side, Lyngdoh believes there will be no lack of ammunition in the team.
“We have more quality in the team this year. The squad is even stronger. They've all come in with so much experience. To even play in the first 11 we will have to fight for the place and that's a great motivation,” he opined.
As the I-League season kicks off on January 7, presumably its final instalment before the much-maligned merger takes place, just as the fans are excited to see their team once again back in action, so are the players.
“I’m really looking forward to playing again in front of them. Fans here have always been inspirational. It's such a boost for us on the field. I look forward to seeing them,” he signed off.
