Roars for Redeem: Shillong celebrates its ISL trailblazer

On Friday, because the NorthEast United FC beginning lineup was introduced on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, simply earlier than kickoff in opposition to Mumbai Metropolis FC, one identify stood out because the clear crowd favorite.

High-scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie obtained an enthusiastic response, however the loudest roar was reserved for native expertise Redeem Tlang. In any case, he had simply made historical past as the primary Shillong-born participant to function in an Indian Tremendous League (ISL) match in his hometown.

Each contact of the ball was met with thunderous cheers, echoing throughout the rolling hills the place his journey had begun. Then, in a second that made the evening much more unforgettable, his household and pals lifted indicators excessive above the group — “REDEEM STAYS 2027” — in a heartfelt affirmation of his future with the membership.

“I’ve seen Redeem play since he was a child. He was so passionate, and he gave his life to soccer,” Redeem’s cousin, Jasminson Tlang, instructed Sportstar.

“For us as a household, we by no means thought he would play within the ISL. We assumed that regardless of his expertise, he would simply find yourself in a village. As a result of the place Redeem comes from, everybody loves soccer, however nobody helps it as a occupation,” he added.

Redeem’s journey started on the Shillong Lajong Academy, the place he steadily rose via the ranks earlier than securing a mortgage transfer to NorthEast United FC in the course of the inaugural ISL season in 2014. Nevertheless, after making only one look for the Highlanders, he returned to Lajong, spending 4 years with the membership and recording 4 targets and one help in 42 matches throughout all competitions.

“I don’t bear in mind precisely when Redeem began taking part in soccer. I believe he was possibly seven or eight years outdated on the time,” recalled his father, Ram Hinge.

“Initially, we didn’t permit him to play. At the moment, there was no actual scope for soccer in India. However later, after he joined Shillong Lajong, we understood he was able to taking part in professionally. Nevertheless, I gave him one situation: if he wished to pursue soccer, he needed to be brave in order that his profession wouldn’t be spoiled sooner or later,” he added.

In 2018-19, Redeem returned to NEUFC and performed a key position in Eelco Schatorrie’s facet, which made historical past by reaching the knockout levels of the ISL for the primary time. Regardless of shedding to Bengaluru FC within the semifinals, his performances drew consideration from different golf equipment. In 2020, he joined FC Goa, the place he received his first main trophy — the Durand Cup — earlier than transferring to Odisha FC on mortgage the next season.

Forward of the 2023-24 marketing campaign, Redeem returned to NEUFC for a 3rd stint and cemented his place in Juan Pedro Benali’s squad. Beneath the Spaniard’s steerage, he transitioned right into a deeper position as a right-back, the place he discovered success, lifting the Durand Cup for the second time final August.

Street forward

After a sluggish begin to the season, Redeem has began in NEUFC’s final eight matches. Final month, he additionally reached a major milestone, making his one hundredth ISL look in opposition to Hyderabad FC.

Regardless of a 0-2 loss to Mumbai Metropolis FC within the first-ever ISL match hosted in Meghalaya, Redeem remained optimistic about the way forward for soccer in his house State, particularly after witnessing the overwhelming assist from the native crowd.

Redeem Tlang of NorthEast United FC throughout Match No 122 of the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) 2024-25 season performed between NorthEast United FC & Mumbai Metropolis FC held on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on 07th February 2025.
| Picture Credit score:
FSDL/ISL

“It’s disappointing that we didn’t get the factors we deserved regardless of how arduous we performed. However that’s soccer, and it’s at all times good to play in entrance of my house crowd. I’m glad that Meghalaya is getting the possibility to host these video games,” he mentioned after the match.

With simply 4 matches remaining within the league section and NEUFC pushing for a playoff spot for under the third time in its historical past, Redeem’s long-term dedication to the membership is a major increase, in accordance with head coach Benali.

“Redeem is a crucial presence for us, and we’re delighted he’ll stay part of the NorthEast United household. He started his ISL journey with NEUFC, and we hope he finishes his profession right here,” Benali mentioned.