Q&A Session With Minerva Punjab Winger, Hitova Ayemi

The 21 year old from Nagaland burst onto the scene in 2017 scoring 6 goals in 7 appearances for I-League 2nd division side Fateh Hyderabad AFC. After his impressive first season he was signed by the then I-League champions, Minerva Punjab.

Note: This interview was originally uploaded in September of 2019. 

Q) Growing up, which team did you support? Who is your favourite player?

– I grew up supporting Liverpool. My favourite player is Fernando Torres.

Q) How did you get into football? When did you decide to become a professional footballer?

– My interest in football came early as I was exposed to the game at a young age. I went for Shillong Lajong trials when I was in class 8. I was selected and was asked to join the club after completing my 10th standard. My career as a professional footballer started from there. I never really decided to take up football professionally. But one thing led to the other. It just happened naturally.

Q) What’s your take on the professional football scene in India?

– Football is on the rise in India and it’s going to get even better with time.

Q) You’ve had a meteoric rise in the Indian footballing scene. What are your short term and long term goals?

– I wouldn’t necessarily call it meteoric, I’ve had my struggles to come to this position. My short term goal is to play as many games this season for Minerva Punjab.

My long term plan is to better myself, to push myself to rise to an even better standard.

Q) As an attack-minded player, which footballer would you like to emulate in your game?

– Kylian Mbappè.

Q) What has been the most memorable game you’ve played and the most memorable you’ve watched so far?

– Probably my debut game for Minerva Punjab against Real Kashmir in the I-League.

– Liverpool’s epic comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League Semi-Finals this year.

Q) What’s the best thing about being a professional footballer?

– The sport disciplines you, it allows you to be productive outside the field as well. 

Q) What has been the toughest challenge in your professional life?

– Uncertainty. That’s the biggest challenge.

Q) Finally, what would you advise other aspiring footballers on the come up?

– Never ever give up on something you know you’re good at. You will have bad days and bad games, but know when to rise to the occasion.