PANAJI: NorthEast United FC’s plans to host matches outside Guwahati for the first time since inception of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014 may have to wait until next season.
NorthEast United were preparing to play a couple of matches in Meghalaya towards the latter part of the ISL group stage. The organisers even inspected the venue but with work on the turf at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong running behind schedule, those plans are now being put off.
“I don’t see games being played in Shillong (this season) because it’s a big challenge to complete the infrastructure,” NorthEast CEO Mandar Tamhane told TOI. “The CM has been very supportive in trying to finish the work (at the stadium). If not this season, I’m confident we will have some games next season.”
Given that the fanbase is spread across the northeast region, it is unlikely that NorthEast United will restrict themselves to just one or two states.
“The idea and intent is to at least have games at two-three more locations. We want to go to Manipur. We saw the support for the national team. We can try and get one game there, if the situation is better. Arunachal is hosting the Santosh Trophy, though artificial turf may not be a good idea (to host ISL),” said Tamhane.
The fan-following in Kokrajhar, Assam, which hosted the home cluster of the Santosh Trophy last year, has also made NorthEast United think. The mud-based pitch, however, might prove to be challenging.
“There are a lot of infrastructural challenges. Guwahati has to be the base, but maybe two or three matches can be played elsewhere,” said Tamhane.
