Aizawl FC star left winger H Lalmuankima has made a dream move to the Indian Super League club FC Goa. The winger was cleared by Aizawl FC club officials after his contract with the I League defending champion expired in December and joined the ambitious ISL outfit for the season.
The 26-year old footballer from Mizoram was part of the historic Aizawl FC squad which won the 2016-17 I-League season, trumping big clubs like Bengaluru FC, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
H Lalmuankima, known to fans here as MK-A, has been very impressive in the ongoing I-League. Although Lalmuankima has scored only one goal during his entire stint at Aizawl, he was instrumental in setting up goal-scoring opportunities for the strikers on numerous occasions. FC Goa’s tactics of playing fast-paced football will only be bolstered by this addition to their squad.
“MK-A’s contract with us expired in December last, and he was interested to join the ISL club FC Goa. At Aizawl FC, players’ interest is our priority. There were several rounds of negotiations to extend his contract. But as said, if a player wants to go elsewhere, we respect his decisions and ambitions,” Robert Romawia Royte, owner of Aizawl FC said.
Born in Mizoram, Lalmuankima played for both Luangmual and Chanmari before joining Aizawl. He made his professional debut for Aizawl in the I-League on February 13, 2016 against Shillong Lajong FC.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
He played a pivotal role in Chanmari FC team and helped the club win the 5th edition of Mizoram Premier League. After lifting the MPL trophy he joined Aizawl FC and played six matches in his debut season of I-League scoring a goal.
According to local football pundits MK-A’s move to the ISL outfit is seen as a better move. This will help him to play at a higher level of football and gain rich experience of the game.
“It’s a better opportunity for him, but his absence will be felt, I wish him a better future and hope he is better paid by the ISL club,” Lalmama Khalthang, a hardcore Aizawl FC fan said.
Aizawl FC fans, the Red Army has pledged hundred of appeals to the club officials to get a new signing who would fill the gap left by Muankima. However the club owner Robert Romawia Royte felt otherwise.
“We have just signed an attacking midfielder Khawpuimawia from Chhinga Veng FC, no doubt, MK-A was important for the team but we still have arsenal of players to fill the gap. S Malsawmtluanga has recovered from injury, we have Albert, Rochharzela and the likes,” Royte said.