Sikkim News>>Nim Tshering dons United Sikkim captain jersey

Gangtok, July 12:  A local boy will wear the captain’s armband for Bhaichung Bhutia co-owned United Sikkim Football Club for this season when the team features in a number of regional and national tournaments and second division I-League.

Nim Tshering Lepcha, a product of the Sikkim government’s Search for More Bhaichungs programme launched in 1999, was today announced the United Sikkim captain during the club’s first practice session at Paljor Stadium.

“Bhaichung and chief coach H. Stanley Rozario decided yesterday during the club’s first meeting that Nim Tshering would lead United Sikkim for the 2011-12 calendar. During the last season, he had given fantastic performance and had shown commitment and hard work,” said club spokesperson Pema L. Shangderpa.

Nim Tshering, 23, had joined United Sikkim last year. He is from Dzongu in North Sikkim.

“I was really surprised to know that I was selected as the captain of United Sikkim. I thank Bhaichung, chief coach and the management for the faith and trust they have reposed in me. I am very happy,” said Nim Tshering.

Apart from Bhaichung and Nim Tshering, there are four more players from Sikkim in the 35-member squad of the team. Like last season, Reneddy Singh has been retained in the team and the squad has been bolstered by the presence of three national players — Sushil Kumar Singh, Gobind Singh and Thoi Singh.

Two foreigners Quinton Jacobs from Namibia and former Sporting Club de Goa player Bidemi Daniel from Nigeria are also in the squad. “Striker Baba Tunde from Nigeria is expected to join the team in a couple of days,” said Pema.

Rozario is confident that his boys will perform well in the coming season. “I am very happy with the team as we have got a mix of young and experienced players. We are training on the artificial turf of the Paljor Stadium and the weather is excellent. With the inclusion of three national players and the presence of Bhaichung and Reneddy, the squad looks strong,” he said.

The immediate challenge for the club is the Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup (state level Independence Day tournament) to be organised by the Sikkim Football Association in August.

“We are looking forward to the new season. Our major target is to qualify for the I-League and win the Federation Cup. We will take part in the Independence Day tournament also as it gives us an opportunity to play together as a team and get our combination right. Most of the players are new to each other and it will take time before they gel as a team,” said Bhaichung. 

-TT