From Mizoram to Goa, Mapuia hopes for India call-up through Hero I-League performances
The far-eastern state of Mizoram has contributed much to the cause of Indian football in recent years. So much so, that Mizoram is now considered to be one of the hubs of the beautiful game in the country.
Indeed, it was a fairytale story, when a small club – the only club from the state to play in the Hero I-League (Aizawl FC) – became champions in the 2016-17 seasons. That win really helped galvanise Mizo football and inspired a number of younger players to keep playing and make their name in Indian Football.
One such name, currently making his name in the big league is Churchill Brothers FC Goa’s latest acquisition upfront Lalkhawpuimawia. Better known amongst his teammates as Mapuia, the 27-year-old has set the 2019-20 season of the Hero I-League ablaze in his very first match, netting two in Churchill’s 3-0 triumph over former champions Punjab FC.
“You never really think that you’ll have such a great start when you move to a new club. But this was a really good start for me, scoring two goals right away in my first game,” Mapuia said to I-League.org.
“But this is just the start of the season, and we can’t really rest on one good performance. We need to use this performance as a launch-pad and push forward,” he said.
A late transition
Growing up in the Champai district of Mizoram, a young Mapuia would often be seen dribbling his way around the streets or small fields of his village. Although he hails from a family of farmers, all this youngster dreamt of doing was playing the beautiful game for a living.
Having impressed the local football aficionados in the Champai district, Mapuia made move to Aizawl city, where he joined Chanmari West. Having played in the Mizoram Premier League for five seasons, Mapuia went on to sign for Chhinga Veng, and subsequently for Aizawl FC.
While Mapuia may be an established striker in the Hero I-League now, he did not always start off in that position. In fact, he had started off as a left-back, back in his MPL days. However, it was soon suggested to him that his talents could be of more use upfront, and Mapuia soon began to flourish in his new role.
“Playing as a striker is very different from playing as a fullback,” quipped Mapuia. “But it’s not rocket science if you ask me.
“All you need to do is put your mind to it, and pay attention to the finer details of on and off the ball movement. Once you do that, it’s not very difficult to switch positions,” he continued.
And success soon followed.
In fact, it was in his last two seasons in the MPL, that Mapuia won the title twice – once with Chhinga Veng, and once with Aizawl FC.
Last season, Mapuia played a full campaign at Aizawl FC as a striker and finished as the joint third-highest Indian goalscorer with six goals. However, the 27-year-old believes that he has progressed further, and now harbours hopes of making it to the National Team.
“Of course, you always have the dream of playing in the India colours one day. Coach Igor Stimac’s words before the start of the season really motivated me a lot, that if I do perform well, I could play for the country too,” he said.
However, National Team spots come at a premium, and Mapuia is well aware of that fact. “There are a number of good strikers in India, and the competition to get into the team is tough, no matter what the experts say. Getting into the National Team would require a lot of hard work,” he said.
“But I do feel that I have it in me to make it there one day, and I do get the chance, I’ll surely give it my all and try to perform to the best of my abilities.”
For now, however, Mapuia has his sights set on winning the Hero I-League title with Churchill Brothers.
“I’ve won two MPLs, but I’d like to win my first I-League title for Churchill now. We are completely focused on that. Of course, I want to score as many goals as possible – more than last season, hopefully. But I believe that winning the league is more important than personal goals,” Mapuia rounded off.
Credits I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Juan Mera’s strike gifts Quess East Bengal a point in Ludhiana
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…