[caption id="attachment_43981" align="aligncenter" width="580"]49544-bspzpkpxmn-1484660888 Jeje in a practice session at the Mohun Bagan ground. Image Source: Facebook[/caption] Kolkata: Mohun Bagan’s ace striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is determined to shrug off the disappointment of not winning the I League. The 26 year old striker wants to do well for his club in the upcoming Federation Cup, which begins in Cuttack from May 07. A lot will depend on the form of the India striker for the Kolkata giants to do well. The Mizo forward had a lukewarm performance in the recently concluded I League, scoring only four goals. According to Jeje, “Last year we failed to win the I League by one point. But went on to win the Federation Cup. The situation is the same this season. We have to win the Fed Cup to bring back the smiles among the fans.” The dimunitive forward further added, “It is going to be a very tough tournament. All the teams are in condition.” The AIFF Player of the year was recently nominated for the Arjuna award. According to the Mizo striker, he does not play for awards. “As a footballer it is very motivating to get awards. But I do not play for awards. For me winning a trophy for my team is much more important than personal glory,” said Jeje to the reporters after practice today. India earned its best FIFA rankings in 21 years as Stepehen Constantine’s team is currently ranked 100. The national team had tremendous success in the recent years under the British coach. The Indian team’ s next big challenge will be to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. “Our main aim will be to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup,” said Jeje . He added, “We are doing very well as a team. Stephen (Constantine) has done a good job in his role as coach.” The British coach has been targeted by a section in the media of  not doing well with the national team. Jeje however defended Stephen and stood beside him. “He (Constantine) joined at a time when we had to play teams like Iran, Iraq which was always going to be tough. Since overcoming that phase, he (Constantine) tasted much success. The team look a lot confident now.”

I do not play for awards: Jeje Lalpekhlua