Happy that hard work paid off, says Jeje Lalpekhlua

Football forward Jeje Lalpekhlua has risen through the ranks at a rapid pace. A product of the AIFF Academy, Jeje made his senior international debut at the age of 19 in 2011 and went on to become the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2013. Three years down the line, Jeje’s consistent performance has helped him win the AIFF Player of the Year.

After being honoured with the prestigious award, the Chennaiyin FC striker expressed his views to aiff.com on his career so far. Excerpts:

Whom would you like to dedicate this award to?
I dedicate it to my family, who I owe a lot to.

What does this award mean to you?
It’s the award, which every Indian footballer looks forward to. It feels great and I am thankful to all my coaches who put faith in me. I am immensely grateful to the AIFF because it was there the journey began. The academy in Goa under Colm Toal laid the platform for me and so many others, to dream big.

You have been outstanding this year. Did you think you will get the award?
It never struck my mind till I got the news from the federation. When you train or hit the ground for a match, you cannot afford to think about the awards.

But yes, awards motivate you and it feels great when your hard work gets recognized. I am thrilled about joining the elite list. If you look at the ones who have received the AIFF Player of the Year Award in all the previous years, I found out they all are my idols.

You spoke of you beginning at the AIFF Academy. How much do you cherish those days?
Those were the days. We just had a dream and needed guidance but didn’t know where to go. It came from the AIFF’s efforts and our lives kicked off. The exposure, the training, the discipline imparted made all of us what we are today.

From AIFF’s Emerging Player of the year in 2013 to Player of the year now, does it complete the circle for Jeje Lalpekhlua?
For a footballer, nothing marks the completion. It’s about manoeuvring the targets. Looking back I feel that my hard work paid off. That’s the reason for this award, the recognition from none but the AIFF, who nurtured me since the wee days.

What is your team mates’ role in this award?
Massive! I have been very fortunate to have an amazing bunch of players around me, right from Mohun Bagan to Chennaiyin FC to the national team. It’s like a cohesive unit who gel well quintessentially. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my team mates. Unless they had been so supportive towards me, this award could not have seen the daylight. I also thank the coaching staff of both the clubs that I have played this year and from the national team.

What was the most pleasant moment for you in 2016?
Every moment has been special to me. In fact, it’s not about me, rather it’s about us. We won the Saff Suzuki Cup at the starting of the year, ran a rout against Laos, achieved a jump in our Fifa rankings.

I found the net more often even for my clubs. I only pray that the dream run continues. I won’t get bored receiving this award year after year.