The All India Football Federation (AIFF) U-19 colts will be participating in the Independence Day Tournament 2016, which kicked-off in Aizawl, Mizoram on July 25, 2016.

The AIFF Colts face Aizawl FC in their opening encounter of the tournament tomorrow (July 28, 2016) at the Lammual Ground in Aizawl, before locking horns with Chanmari West FC, Chhinga Veng FC and Chanmari FC on August 2, 6 and 9 respectively.

Gearing up for the Independence Day Tournament, the AIFF U-19 colts rampaged Mizoram’s 3rd Division club Rafael FC 8-0 on July 26 at the Lammual Ground and met Indian International and star striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who according to Head Coach Floyd Pinto, “boosted the squad’s morale before the tournament.”

“It always encourages young players to meet someone they look upto”, Pinto told AIFF Media.

“Jeje’s words left a positive impact of motivation on the squad and that boosted the overall morale of the team”, Pinto informed.

“It was very inspiring to meet Jeje”, said Edmund Lalrindika, who also hails from Mizoram, like Jeje. “I hope to emulate him someday and if possible play alongside him in the National Team.”

“He has given me a tremendous boost of confidence with his words”, Lalrindika added.

“Jeje wished us good luck for the tournament and the talks he had with us inspired me personally”, stated Abhishek Haldar.

All eyes will be on the AIFF U-19 Colts tomorrow when they clash swords against defending Champions Aizawl FC. “We have prepared hard for the tournament and although we are favourites to win the cup, we respect our opponents.”

“We have to focus and stay concentrated on the task at hand. Falling prey to complacency will certainly hamper our chances to win the cup”, Pinto added.

AIFF U-19 Colts’ fixtures:
July 28: AIFF U-19 vs Aizawl FC
August 2: Chanmari West FC vs AIFF U-19
August 6: Chhinga Veng FC vs AIFF U-19
August 9: AIFF U-19 vs Chanmari FC

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)