SHILLONG : The wait to see Shillong’s top football teams battle for glory is almost over, with reigning champions Langsning set to face Sawmer in the opening match of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 at the SSA Stadium, Polo, on Saturday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:45 pm.
Langsning head into the new SPL season in strong form after finishing runners-up in the 5th Meghalaya State League in June. Along with defending their Shillong Premier League crown, the club is also preparing for its first-ever appearance in the Durand Cup, scheduled to begin early next month.
Langsning Bolster Squad With 10 New Signings
Earlier this month, Langsning announced 10 new signings as the club strengthened its squad for the new football season.
Leading the new arrivals is Samuel L Kynshi, who has represented India at the Asian Games. The former Shillong Lajong FC, Mawlai SC, Punjab FC and Real Kashmir FC midfielder has joined the reigning SPL champions after most recently featuring for Gokulam Kerala in the Indian Football League.
Two players have also arrived from FC Bengaluru United — left-back Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri and forward Syed Ahmed. Both were part of the FCBU side that finished runners-up in I-League 2 and secured promotion to the 2026-27 Indian Football League.
Langsning have further added midfielder Richie Kharbani, who previously played for the club, and forward Rohan Manar from Garhwal FC.
Midfielder Alex Manar, who represented Meghalaya in this year’s U-20 Men’s National Football Championship, has also joined the squad.
The other four new signings are forward Monush Lapang from Rymbai Shkenshynriah, midfielder Mebanshngain Kurkalang from Rangdajied United, midfielder Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem from Shillong Lajong and defender Rituraj Boruah from Chhaygaon.
Sawmer Look to Make Stronger Start
Standing in Langsning’s way in the opening match will be Sawmer, who endured an inconsistent campaign last season.
Sawmer finished sixth after recording four wins and five defeats, but the club has strengthened its squad during the pre-season transfer window.
Among the new faces are Oresterwell Langshiang, who joins from relegated Nongrim Hills, along with Raikutshisha Buam and Banteilang Lyngdoh from Nangkiew Irat. Cannyson Kharnaior has also joined from Malki.
Langsning have won their last three SPL meetings against Sawmer, but the latter will hope their new additions can help them challenge the defending champions.
Every Match Crucial in One-Leg SPL Format
With the SPL being played over a single round, every match will carry added importance.
Langsning endured a slow start to the 2025 SPL season before recovering strongly to eventually lift the title. Sawmer also experienced a difficult spell last season, suffering four consecutive defeats before turning their campaign around and finishing in mid-table.
The Shillong Premier League has played a major role in the growth of football in Shillong and across Meghalaya. The competition has also attracted considerable attention from football fans beyond the state.
With SPL performances having a bearing on qualification for the SSA Super Cup, SSA Champions Cup and Meghalaya State League (MSL), every club will be aiming to make a strong impression as the 2026 season gets underway.
The opening clash between Langsning and Sawmer promises to set the tone for what could be another exciting season of football in Shillong.