Ralte relishing the Bengaluru FC challenge

April 22 will forever remain afresh in Zohmingliana Ralte's mind. His side, Aizawl FC, were up against one of the giants of Indian football, Mohun Bagan, needing nothing less than three points to pull off a big miracle.

They had less than 10 minutes left and Aizawl were running out of options when the North eastern side were gifted a corner. It was then that a little known Ralte rose high enough to deposit a Mahmoud Al Amna delivery into the goal and send a jam-packed stadium into delirium.

"I will never forget that day," says Ralte.

"What we went on to achieve (I-League title) was a dream. But for me that's the past — a glorious past. But now I have a new challenge and I am ready for that," he continues with a sense of confidence.

Ralte, more known as Zotea, is one of the 14 Indian players that Bengaluru FC signed at the Indian Super League's players' draft. And the 26-year-old seems to be very happy with the move.

"I am very happy and so is my family," he says. "I needed a new challenge. As a player I want to play in the ISL. I spoke to the president and manager there about this because I want to improve," he states explaining his move.

"The coaching staff and everyone is great here. The (pre-season) training camp was good. The training here is very structured. I have improved here for sure especially on my touch and fitness."

Moving to a new club also means adjusting and making necessary changes to one's game. A centre back who for majority of his career has played in a four-man defence, Ralte seems to have found some trouble adjusting to Albert Roca's attacking style. "Thoda mushkil hai (it's a little difficult)," he says.

"I have always played with four defenders. But here, we play three at the back. So your positioning, your off the ball movements everything is different. That's something that I am learning now. But the players here are very good. They help you. The coach speaks to me. It’s a bit difficult for me at times but I am adjusting to it."

First up for Ralte at Bengaluru will be the AFC Cup inter-zonal semifinal against North Korea's April 25 SC. And the Mizo seems ready for the challenge. "This match is very important. We want to win. This is my first season here so I want to win this match," he states.

However, with the first leg being played at the Sree Kanteerava on Wednesday, Ralte is a little relaxed. "It's a good thing that we start at home. I know the difference and the push that you get when you play at home. At Aizawl too one of the main reasons we preformed well at home were the fans. It's like they are our 12th man. And I am sure things are no different here."

DH News Service