Shillong, Apr 25: Mawlai SC will be relying on a relatively small squad of 14 players plus officials in their maiden I-League 3 campaign, which will begin in Imphal in two days’ time.
Mawlai are currently playing in the 5th Meghalaya State League; they won the fourth edition in 2024-25 title and, through that, became eligible for the All India Football Federation’s I-League 3.
The club had requested the MSL organisers for an adjustment of their fixtures but, while sympathetic, the Meghalaya Football Association couldn’t accommodate a delay as the MSL has to be finished off by the end of May in order to meet the deadline for the next I-League 3 season.
The Mawlai squad will thus have to be split in half, with 14 players off to Imphal under head coach Hering Shangpliang. The remainder will continue on in the MSL under assistant coach Dapmon Tariang.
Mawlai have won all three of their group stage matches in MSL 5 so far. Performance is a little hard to judge as they’re playing their fixtures in Amlarem, so we haven’t seen them in action nor have we seen how good their opponents have been. Their top scorer so far is Damanbhalang Chyne (5 goals). Worth noting is that Mawlai, despite winning three on the trot, have conceded a goal in each game.
Yesterday, MFA President Hamletson Dohling met with the Mawlai players to wish them well before they head off to Imphal. Mawlai were also in action in the MSL yesterday where quite a few of their I-League 3 players were given a rest.
Mawlai squad for I-League 3:
Lambhamiki Lamare, Shariwell Lyngdoh, Arkini Laloo, Arkibor Makhroh, Ricky Chyne, Damanbhalang Chyne, Vincent Shyrmang, Samlang Rympei, Verjelous Shylla, Basuklang Bina, Fairming Suting, Robertson Khongriah, Bajiedlang Rangslang, Wadshwa Latoo
Support staff: Hering Shangpliang, Jerry Sutnga, Dromlan Marngar
Mawlai I-League 3 fixtures:
vs Sikkim Brotherhood, 27th April, 3PM
vs Sunrise Club Orissa, 29th April, 9AM
vs ARA FC, 3rd May, 9AM
vs FC Raengdai, 5th May, 3PM
(Meghalaya State League file photo)
