Exclusive: India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua- 'Dempo will be a new challenge'

‘Must win SAFF Cup’

At international level, Jeje has an excellent return of eight goals in 16 appearances but all those appearances came in 2011. He hasn’t played for the national team for 18 months now although he was in the squad for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.

Even after recovering from the knee injury, he had another minor setback before the 2012 Nehru Cup and missed that tournament. But Jeje is back in Wim Koevermans’ plans and following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2014 Challenge Cup, the Mizoram lad is eyeing SAFF Cup success in Nepal in September.

Jeje hasn’t had an international cap since December 2011

“Every coach has their own style and strategy but the important thing for the players is to adapt quickly and achieve the desired results. It was disappointing for all of us to lose that game against Myanmar but it is never easy in international football because every team is improving and that applies for the SAFF region also.

“But we must win the SAFF Cup this time. We are the defending champions and have the quality but there are good teams as well. So, it will be a big challenge (to lift the cup). As for me, I haven’t been able to play for the national team due to injuries so I will be focusing on having a good season and regain my best form for both club and country,” he opined.

Jeje recently played for a FPAI (Football Players’ Association of India) XI against a Manipur select in an exhibition match in Imphal, which was witnessed by a crowd of more than 20,000. It was another proof of the passion that the north-east of the country has for the beautiful game.

Jeje is hoping to see more north-east clubs emulate Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United.

“It is fantastic for the north-east to have two clubs in the I-League. Both are from Shillong and I am hope other clubs from the region including Mizoram also qualify for the top flight. It is always very difficult initially but like Lajong have shown with the right approach it is possible to play in the I-League consistently,” the 2011 FPAI Young Player of the Year stated.

Jeje with Sunil Chhetri (Image credit: AIFF Media)

Jeje along with India skipper Sunil Chhetri had a trial at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in 2011 and the former Arrows player remains optimistic of another such opportunity in future. But Jeje also admitted that Sunil Chhetri’s frustrating spell at Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ is proof of the fact that joining a foreign club is overcoming one hurdle but getting regular action is another massive test.

“Playing abroad professionally is the ultimate dream but it is very tough to achieve that. Even if you get a contract, playing regularly is another challenge. For now I am completely focused on Dempo and I have to repay the faith that they have shown in me by having a strong first season,” he concluded.