Guwahati: North East United FC's local player Holicharan Narzary has appealed to the people of the Northeast to continue cheering the club as in the past to encourage the side to qualify for the knockouts in their fourth season's campaign of the Indian Super League.

"I am personally and on behalf of the team thankful to our fans for encouraging us over the years and I would like to appeal to all our fans to flock to the stadium like in past years and cheer us this season as well," the India international player said.

Asked about the squad, he said: "Everybody in the squad is one of the best. It's not easy to make the cut to the ISL teams. Everybody is working hard. I am sure everyone will give his best. The pre-season was very good both at home as well as in Turkey. Everybody played like a family. The rest will depend on our performance on the field. We will play one match at a time."

On the other players from Assam in the ISL - Bwringdaw Boro, Vineet Rai and Pranjal Bhumij - Narzary said: "I have not met them much and played very few matches with them. It seems they are talented and hard working. Had they also been in our club, we would have been happier to play together for our home. But, we can't help it as it's about the draftings."

About coach Joao Carlos de Deus, he said: "He is very friendly. He talks very well with each and everyone of us. He has been training us like a friend." About the ISL fixture in the season starting on Saturday, Narzary said, "It would be convenient for the players. The gaps will help the teams prepare well for every single match."