The Blasters kept eight clean sheets in the season, the most by any team and Hormipam was an integral part of the defensive unit.
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Kerala Blasters FC defender Ruivah Hormipam has been one of the finds of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season. The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in his club’s impressive run to the final where they eventually lost to Hyderabad FC on penalties. For his brilliant performances, the centre-back was selected for Indian national team’s trip to Bahrain to play international friendlies.
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The #BlueTigers take on Bahrain in a friendly, tonight at 9:30 pm at the Muharraq Stadium ?️@IndianFootball #BAHIND #YennumIndia #BackTheBlue #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/EYoxKkKdcv
— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) March 23, 2022
Hormipam along with his central defensive partener Marko Leskovic formed a formidable partnership. The Blasters kept eight clean sheets in the season, the most by any team and Hormipam was an integral part of the defensive unit.
“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.”
Hormipam made his senior debut in the I-League with Indian Arrows. He then spent a year with RoundGlass Punjab, before moving to Kerala Blasters. The defender made his debut for Kerala Blasters against the Indian Navy in the Durand Cup.
“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.
Ivan Vukomanovic’s side was built around a strong defence and Hormipam was a vital cog in it. KBFC conceded just 24 goals, only Jamshedpur FC had conceded fewer goals in the season. He finished the season with 57 tackles, 31 interceptions, 67 clearances and 11 blocks in 14 appearances for the club. Hormipam thanked his more experienced defensive partner Leskovic for making things simpler for him.
“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 defence 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 made his international debut against Belarus in Bahrain on Sunday and will be hoping to cement his place in the national team.
“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.
