East Bengal FC players celebrating one of their goals in the Hero I-League. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
The colour red is often found in the traditional dresses of Mizoram, giving the outfit a vibrant appeal. Sometimes, red is imprinted with stripes of white resulting in a beautiful ‘Puan’ called ‘Ngotekherh’ – a type of cloth that can be wrapped around the waist. And though Red and White might not bring a twinkle to the eyes of the Mizoram born players present in Quess East Bengal FC, ‘Red and Gold’ certainly does.
Laldanmawia Ralte, Lalrindika Ralte, Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalram Chullova have all been key players for East Bengal in the current Hero I-League, which can very well see the ‘Red and Gold’ lift the trophy – given Chennai City FC drop points against Minerva Punjab FC, and Quess East Bengal win against Gokulam Kerala FC.
After spending two seasons away, it was a homecoming for Lalrindika Ralte when he signed for QEBFC for the current season. The other three players joined the Kolkata giant in 2017 from former Hero I-League champions Aizawl FC, and this assimilation built a great bonding flavour in the Red and Gold camp.
While the Red and Gold dressing room has players is a wonderful symphony of cosmopolitan culture, the little chats or convenient interactions in mother tongue for the Mizoram players helps them to connect better. The hard work during training and the relaxed dressing room environment has shown its colours on the bright performance of the Mizo Brigade.
After an eight-match unbeaten streak, Quess East Bengal sit a point adrift of leaders Chennai City, with 39 points. With March 9 being the showdown, the Mizo Quartet will play a vital role to ensure Quess East Bengal FC success and lift the coveted I-League championship.
(AIFF Media)