The India U-14 National Team left Indian shores to Dushanbe, Tajikistan for the AFC U-15 Festival of Football 2015 – Central and South Region, slated from May 20 to 27, 2015. Besides India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan would also be participating in the Festival.
The Head Coach of the Indian colts, Bibiano Fernandes, feels the exposure will help evolve the footballing acumen of the boys. Speaking to AIFF Media, Bibiano said: “This trip is bound to help us immensely and in many ways. The boys will square off against some of the best teams in Asia and that will help to increase their level.”
When inquired about the level of competition present within the Championship, Bibiano added: “We have played three matches against U-18 teams. And we have registered an impressive 4-1 victory in all of them. Hence, I think we are prepared for the challenges which lie ahead of us and if we play together as a team, we can overcome anything.”
Moreover, the U-14 National Coach expressed his contention with the squad at his disposal. “The boys are a very talented lot. They have the ability within themselves to upset any team, if they play to their potential. My job as a Coach is to bring out the best out of the players.”
INDIA U-14 SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Shiv Nadan Yadav, Sachin Suresh
Defenders
Jitentra Singh, Flan Gomes, Karan, Dalbir Singh, Rajkumar Majhi, Spuriyo Ghosh
Midfielders
Kiyam Amarjit Singh, Jagdeep Singh, K.Ninthoinganba Singh, Manvir Singh, Chhotu Tirkey, Sanjeev Stalin, Tarak Hembram, Lalchungnuga,
Forwards
Bishnu Bordoloi, Rohit Danu
Officials
Bibiano Fernandes (Head Coach)
(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)