Kerala Blasters FC’s Ruivah Hormipam aspires to represent the national team and play for the Blue Tigers. The youngster had recently impressed with his defending skills when he played for Kerala Blasters in the recently concluded season of the Hero Indian Super League.
The 21-year old central defender also played a key role in taking the Southerners to the final of the tournament in which they were beaten by Hyderabad FC by 3-1 on penalties.
In fact, Kerala Blasters were able to keep eight clean sheets, which was the most by the team in ISL 2021-22 and Hormipam played an instrumental role in the same. Furthermore, Hyderabad FC head coach Manuel Marquez had also heaped praise on the youngster for his good defensive skills.
Hormipam, who hails from Manipur, feels it is not easy to make the transition from Hero I-league to Hero ISL as the competition is stiffer in the latter.
“In ISL, we have players from all different leagues around the world and they are fighting for the spot in the squad. So it becomes very difficult. Tactically, the team is advanced and so are the opponents,” Hormipam told The Bridge in an exclusive interview.
“There is a lot of planning as to how we play. But I feel the major difference remains about competition in the squad. In Indian Arrows (Hero I-League team), we were of the same age and possessed the same amount of experience. But at Kerala Blasters FC, I have to compete with the big boys and I guess the stakes are higher,” he added.
The youngster got to share the pitch with players like Marko Leskovic and Harmanjot Khabra and he learned a lot from the duo.
“I feel Lesko is a very good player. More than anything he is the one who has adapted to my playing style and always covers and protects me. He is the real star of the defense along with Khabra sir,” Hormipam said.
“We have got clean sheets and that gave us a lot of confidence. He is a high-quality player and I’m fortunate to have him as a partner at the back with me,” he added.
Hormipam is currently with the Indian national football team for the two friendlies and feels it is a dream come true moment for him.
“Yes, a dream come true for me and my family. It feels good, honoured, and excited. I want to play for India and make every Indian proud,” he said.
