Newly-promoted I-League outfit Royal Wahingdoh FC are banking on youth to lead them all the way in their road ahead. Dominic Sutnga Tariang, the Managing Director of the Club believes that the youngsters hold a lot of potential and if they are given the right guidance from a very early age, they have the potential to become superstars in years to come.

In an exclusive tête-à-tête with I-League Media, the Owner-cum-Managing Director of the Club shares his views on the Club’s philosophies, his plans for I-League 2014/15, the Club’s contribution to various communities in the North-East, and more.

INTERVIEW

What has been the philosophy of the Club all these years?
Youth. We have believed in the power of the youngsters all throughout our journey.
They hold a lot of potential, and the right guidance can go a long way in making these boys the next big thing. Six-seven of the boys from 2009 are still a part of the team, because we have the belief in them. We don’t believe in a culture of hire and fire. Everyone needs to be given an opportunity to grow.
If we truly believe in youth development and raising the calibre of the domestic players then playing opportunities due to them shall need to be duly accorded.

Give us a glimpse of Wahingdoh’s contribution to communites in the North-East?
We have been providing food rations and computers to the local community. Providence – a school for the underprivileged – has been supported by us for a long time now and we proudly carry their name on our jersey.
We also encourage local festivals where talented musicians and artists perform. Pashat-la-Tynrai — an indigenous festival in Shillong with a huge following is an example of what we support.

Talk us about your personal dreams with the Club? Where do you see it several years from now?
We are in efforts to make Royal Wahingdoh a strong brand. It will be a tough journey, but years from now I will be a very pleased man when we succeed. It’s more about a passion to succeed than anything else.
While winning is important, it’s also about the journey you took to get there. We would like to build a strong culture around this club, that makes it stand out uniquely.

What are your plans for I-League…?
Well, a good finish higher up the ladder is always the aim (smiles). The team has just started their campaign in the Shillong league so the effort will be on to be ready for January when the national season begins. We are hugely motivated to do well.

Finally, Wahingdoh going head-to-head with rivals Shillong Lajong will be a much-sought after match next season. How do you see it happening?
It’s surely going to be a huge challenge and a big treat for the local fans as they will see these teams face each other in the Shillong Premier League as well as the I-League. We just recorded a goalless draw against them in the Shillong League (on September 17, 2014), and come the second leg, and the I-League 2014-15, we are prepared to take on them again!