Origins
Pragyan Gogoi (Assam)
Midfielder
Having begun his youth career at Shillong Lajong FC's youth academy, Pragyan Gogoi joined Kerala Blasters FC's academy back in 2017. The midfielder has played for Kerala Blasters FC's U-18 team as well as reserve, but having failed to make his Hero ISL debut, moved to NorthEast United FC ahead of the 2020-21 Hero ISL season and played 6 minutes in 2 matches. The local boy would hope to feature more during the Hero ISL 2021-22 season.
Imran Khan (Manipur)
Midfielder
Hailing from a small village near Imphal, Imran Khan comes from a very humble background. He was raised by a single mother who used to sell vegetables to meet the month’s end and seeing his mother work so hard for the family taught him the lesson of never giving up in life. The midfielder started his youth career with Eastern Sporting Union at the age of 10 and by the age of 16, he made his professional debut with SSU Football Club in the Manipur State League. He then moved to Mohameddan SC to play in the I-League before returning back to join NEROCA FC and in the year 2016, he was adjudged as the Manipur Footballer of the Year for his exceptional performance in the state league. After various spells at I-League and 2nd Division clubs, Imran finally joined NorthEast United FC prior to the 2020-21 season and made 6 appearances for the Highlanders during the last season. Imran, who idolises Mesut Ozil, scored his first goal in a 3-3 thrilling encounter against Chennaiyin FC last season.
Tondonba Singh (Manipur)
Defender
Tondonba started his career with his hometown club Neroca at the early age of 11. He came up through the ranks and made his debut in the Manipur State League at the age of 16. He was a part of the Neroca squad that achieved promotion to the I-league in 2016-17. He made 18 professional appearances for the Manipur based club in the I-League before moving to Chennaiyin FC. Tondonba made 19 appearances for the Chennaiyin until the end of the 2019-20 season and then signed for Mumbai City FC ahead of last season and made 2 appearances as Mumbai City FC clinched a domestic double.
Joe Zoherliana (Mizoram)
Midfielder
The young defender started his career with Shillong Lajong FC. He also featured in the Shillong Premier League before returning back to his home state, Mizoram. He signed for Mizoram Premier League side Chanmari FC in 2017. Joe then signed for FC Pune City’s U-18 team and in 2018 he moved to I-league outfit Aizawl FC. He made 9 appearances and scored 2 goals for the People’s club until the end of 2019-20. Last season, he was a part of Bengaluru FC’s Hero ISL squad.
Laldanmawia Ralte (Mizoram)
Forward
Danmawia kick-started his career in the Mizoram Premier League with Dinthar and won the best midfielder’s award. He won the top scorer’s award in the 2016-17 Federation Cup with Aizawl FC and was a part of Khalid Jamil’s title-winning campaign in 2017. He later moved to East Bengal in the summer of 2017 and scored 17 goals in 52 appearances until 2019. In 2018, Danmawia made his debut for the Blue Tigers in 2-0 win against Kenya. And in the last two seasons, he was a part of Hyderabad FC.
Roccharzela Z (Mizoram)
Forward
Rochharzela is an Aizawl FC academy product and made his senior team debut in the 2017-18 season. The midfielder grew in stature and established the first-team role over two seasons. The 2019-20 season saw him feature regularly for the first team. He scored six goals from 14 starts and clocked more than 1000 minutes for the first time in his career. He made his Hero ISL debut with Northeast United FC in 2020-21 and scored one goal and provided two assists in 12 games.
