Sana discusses life at HFC, his new deal and more…

From struggling to break into the first team in the Indian Super League, Chinglensana Konsham has now turned into one of the most exciting players on show in Indian football.

The 24-year-old played his best domestic campaign in his career, with Hyderabad FC last season and to the joy of everyone involved with the club, Sana put pen to paper on a new four-year contract, which will keep him at the club till the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Here is our exclusive chat with our No. 4 as he speaks about his career, signing the new deal, playing for the Indian National Team and more…

On signing the contract renewal…

I am absolutely thrilled and excited about what lies ahead of us. Knowing the club’s football philosophy, vision, and good atmosphere made it all easy to commit my future on a long term deal.

On the previous ISL campaign…

My hunger for game time and my continuous efforts in training really helped me to keep improving. All I needed was a playing opportunity which I got at Hyderabad FC. As the season went on, we kept improving and we hope we can do better next season.

On his responsibilities as a key player at HFC…

At Hyderabad, more than individuals, it is all about the team. That is what makes this club beautiful for us to play and for the fans to watch. Having said that, I’m also aware of the responsibility I have in the team and I will be doing my best in all of my roles confidently.

On the Boss’ role in his contract extension…

Of course, Manolo Marquez had a role in it. For him to trust all of us and to support us throughout the season was amazing. We, as players, learned so much from him and what excites me more is the chance to continue working with him and fight for the challenges ahead of us, together.

💪 ᴄᴏɴꜱɪꜱᴛᴇɴᴛʟʏ ᴅᴏᴍɪɴᴀɴᴛ!

🔢 Here’s a throwback to the numbers behind @ChinglensanaC‘s impressive 2020-21 @IndSuperLeague season.

Ready for more? 😉#Sana2025 #HyderabadFC 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/QR9L0u9q9K

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) August 7, 2021

On his teammates’ role in extending his stay…

In football, continuity and understanding among teammates is very important and it creates a beautiful football chemistry on and off the field. At Hyderabad FC, this is one of the key factors for the consistency of our performances.

On settling into the National team…

It was very important for me personally. It is part of my daily routine to make sacrifices and train to be the best version of myself and to play for the country and give my best in Indian colours is a dream. Playing under Coach Igor Stimac is a blessing to me merely because of his playing style. Also, his being a defender really helped me learn and improve. Wearing the National team jersey and playing for the country is pure joy.

On what is to come from Sana…

Absolutely the best of me, season after another! For me, it is all about improving and growing. Finding consistency in what I do and keep doing it better is the plan for now.

On the targets for the upcoming campaign…

Everyone has seen what we can do as a team, This season it will be about fighting for everything that is there to be won.

The moment that taught him a lot last season…

My red card against ATKMB, because that situation taught me a lot of lessons and I prefer to look at things I need to improve on rather than the things I’ve done in the past.

Keeping fit in the off-season…

In the morning I train at the gym and in the evening I go to my ground and do my football training and also play matches with friends when I can. Hopefully, the start of the season is not too far away.

Message for the fans…

I am super excited for the season ahead. We will give our very best and I hope we can enjoy such moments together. We need your full support and love! Let’s go, Hyderabad FC…