High intensity, fast thinking, and no stopping: Mumbai City FC’s Apuia opens up on training stint in Belgium

Mumbai City FC’s Lalengmawia Ralte shared his thoughts on his two-week training stint in Belgium where he got the opportunity to play for Lommel SK. The midfielder got this chance through City Football Group (CFG) which owns Mumbai City FC and Lommel SK.

Apuia, as he is more famously known, revealed that the training sessions were of high intensity, it required fast thinking and there was no stopping.

Ralte has come up in the rank in the Hero Indian Super League. Before making a move to the Islanders, Ralte plied his trade for NorthEast United FC in the ISL. Despite being only 21-year-old, the youngster has played 52 matches in the tournament, which goes to show the kind of talent he has under his belt.

This stint would have certainly helped the youngster grow in confidence as he will look to deliver the goods for the Islanders in the upcoming edition.

“The intensity in training was of a different level, particularly with the kind of players that they have, almost all of them aged between 19 and 21,” Ralte told The Times of India in an interview.

“Everyone is young and fit, and the intensity is really high, and on a different level. I found it difficult at first, but after three-four days of training, I could cope. Even in training, you need to think fast. You hardly have any time,” he added.

Furthermore, the Mizoram player has made 10 appearances for the Blue Tigers and he will hold the key for the national team under the coaching of Igor Stimac.

On the other hand, Apuia was awarded the Emerging Player of the tournament in the previous season for his impressive performances.

“It was a good experience to train with good young players from different countries who have already represented their countries at a young age. There’s a 17-year-old who plays for Hungary, a 19-year-old who represents Norway, another one from Costa Rica and quite a few from LaLiga. They are all good players,” he said.