FPAI Indian Football Awards 2011: Jeje Lalpekhlua 'Honoured' To Be Named In The Top Three For The Best Young Player Award
The Mizoram-born striker has made it to the top three of the ‘Best Young Player’ category in the 2011 FPAI Indian Football Awards.
By Amoy Ghoshal
The 2011 FPAI Indian Football Awards is less than a week away now and on Tuesday the nominees for all the categories were revealed.
India and Pune FC striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has made it into the top three of the ‘Best Young Player’ category alongside East Bengal’s Raju Gaikwad and Lenny Rodrigues of Churchill Brothers.
While speaking to Goal.com, the official online partner of the third edition of the FPAI Awards, Jeje said that he was honoured to make the top three.
“It is a big honour for me and giving me a special feeling. I have improved as a player in the last 12 months and this nomination is recognition of the same,” Jeje told Goal.com.
He also refused to draw comparisons with himself and Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia.
“Bhaichung (Bhutia) is a legend. I should never be compared with him. I have a long way to go in my career.”
The 20-year-old has scored in both of Pune FC’s matches in this season's Federation Cup and he stated that he has so far enjoyed playing and scoring in the football crazy city of Kolkata.
“It feels nice to score but I am disappointed that we couldn't win against East Bengal. In Kolkata there is a lot of passion for football so a lot of people come to the ground and thus it always gives you confidence to play.”
Jeje looked back to the 2-1 defeat to the red and gold brigade and admitted that the injuries of Subrata Paul, Mandjou Keita and Chika Wali made it difficult for PFC to get a positive result.
“Injuries to Subrata (Paul), (Mandjou) Keita and Chika (Wali) didn't help our cause and we also had a couple of half chances to score at 2-1.”
The former India Arrows (now Pailan Arrows) striker looked ahead to Pune’s final game in the group against Mohammedan Sporting.
“It is out of our hands now as it depends on the other game but we will still try to give our best and win the last group game,” he signed off.
source: goal.com
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