Redeem Tlang of NorthEast United FC celebrates the goal with Asamoah Gyan during ISL match against FC Goa in Guwahati on November 1, 2019

Shillong-born professional football player Redeem Tlang, who has scored two goals in four appearances for NorthEast United FC this season, said that he is thankful that he could learn the skills of the game from some of the top international footballers.

The NorthEast United FC winger, while exclusively speaking to The News Mill, said that playing under coach Robert Jarni is a blessing as Jarni too was a brilliant winger during his days at the national team of Croatia.

“I am enjoying my sessions with our coach as there are always newer things to learn. He too played as a winger and if I can take a leaf out of that experience in my game; that will be one of the biggest plus for me. As a professional player, I am always a student of the game,” said Redeem Tlang who has scored 2 goals for NEUFC this season – against Odisha FC and FC Goa.

Redeem, a product of the Shillong Lajong academy, has been rubbing shoulders with marquee players like former Ghana national team star Asamoah Gyan, José David Leudo, Martín Cháves and Panagiotis Triadis. “Big players like Asamoah Gyan and even coach Robert Jarni, who has won FIFA World Cup bronze for his Croatia, brings a lot of experience. This is a great opportunity for us,” he said.

Commenting on the role of fans in shaping a team, Redeem said that the fans inspire the players to give that extra when they take the field. “Our club (NorthEast United FC) enjoys a good fan following both away and at home and we will always be thankful for the same. The fans are our 12th man when we take the field,” he said adding that the team is looking forward to a continued support in the coming ISL-6.

Redeem, who scored a memorable goal against Bengaluru FC in the first leg of the semi-final last season, asked the fans to keep pouring in at the stadium to motivate the team. Redeem has made 23 appearances for the Guwahati-based ISL club.

Speaking about his plan for the season, Redeem said that he wants to play a pivotal role for NorthEast United. “We aim to better our result this season. We were talking about this during our interaction (with teammates and support staff) and we want to give you all the fans more reasons to smile,” he said. Redeem has scored two goals this season with some strong performances.

“This will be the biggest challenge for us and we are prepared for the same,” he added.

(The player was interviewed just before the start of the ISL 2019-20 Season) 

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About Jayanta Deka

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Jayanta Deka is a Guwahati-based journalist with over a decade of experience in journalism. Tracking new media, technology, startups and politics interest him. He can be reached through [email protected]