Mizo FC is one of two teams from the Indian state of Mizoram playing in the Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) Futsal League in Singapore.
On the opening day of the league, Mizo FC lost 3-1 to fellow Mizoram team, Mizoram Girls FC. In a following match, Mizo FC defeated another Indian team, Manipur, 6-1.
Mizo FC is made up of players aged between 25 and 29. Formed by Ralte Lalremthangi and Rothangpuii, the duo and their friends got together after learning about the league. Later, more players, whom they met via Facebook, joined the cause.
Foreign domestic workers in the republic get active during their off days, and it’s the same with Mizo FC. Seven of the 11 players must inform their employers when they play in the league.
Some employers adopt an indifferent attitude towards their workers’ participation in the league.
But team captain Ruthi Lalkhawngaihsangi said her employer is “very supportive” of her participation in the futsal league, so much so that he has expressed interest in seeing her in action.
Ruthi was named captain as she represented her state team when she was a teenager.
Mizo FC player Lalzuimawii is the ‘senior’ in the team, in terms of her years in Singapore. She has been in the republic for seven years, while teammate Rothangpuii, the newbie, has been in the city state for the past 18 months.
Among the challenges faced by foreign domestic workers in Singapore are the language barrier and homesickness.
The futsal league provides an avenue for them to bond, and strengthens them mentally, emotionally, socially, and healthwise.
It also helps broaden their horizons as they get to meet new friends from other nations.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
