Winning begins at home for Mizoram

PANAJI: Lalrindika Ralte waits for the weekend in Kolkata and it's not for any football action.
Every week, mostly weekends, the East Bengal midfielder waits to meet his fellow Mizoram players like Shylo Malsawmtluanga, Robert Lalthlamuana and Samson Ramagawia at popular meeting places and once the meeting is over, he eagerly looks forward to the next meeting.
"We all enjoy each other's company. We talk about things back home, our clubs and almost everything under the sun.We are all friends and have never had any differences," said Ralte, popularly known as "Dika", among India's most promising footballer.
Since Malsawmtluanga joined East Bengal in 2002 and showed Mizoram the way, players from this North-Eastern state have found favour with several I-League clubs. East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Bengaluru FC, Dempo Sports Club all have Mizoram players, although most of them play for clubs closer to home; Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC, both based in neighbouring Meghalaya, is home to at least ten Mizo footballers.
"Unlike Manipur, we made late starts. Manipuri footballers started moving out of the state in the nineties, but until Malsawmtluanga (Mama) joined East Bengal, we had no clue about Indian football, or ways and means to get there," says Dempo striker Jeje Lalpekhlua.
The Mizo group is a close-knit family and are never at odds with each other. In fact, most of them pick up the phone, speak to each other and find out ways to help people back home, who may not be as fortunate as them. "We try to help our society which has given so much to us. We know they need our support," explains Dika, who along with Jeje, endorse brands back home.
Dika once had to dig deep into his pockets to fund the state under-19 football team who did not have enough money to buy their kits for a national tournament. Jeje parts with his savings whenever his village club needs help.
And, while Malsawmtluanga remains the man they all seek advice from - whether it's planning their savings or moving to another club - all of them don't think twice when it comes to contributing to the community.
"It is in our culture to help anyone who is in need. We are all friendly people," explains Jeje. Every May, when the football season takes a break for two months and the players head to their respective homes, the Mizos get together and play a series of friendly matches, proceeds of which are equally shared by the MFA and the chosen charity.
"Last year we played friendlies in Dika's and my village. This year I am already looking forward to the break," said Jeje.