Mauritius’ coach Francisco Filho who has a huge experience of coaching under his belt before taking the charge of the Mauritius National Team went on to thank the All India Football Federation for organising Hero Tri-nation Football Series. “It will be a ‘good exposure and is a learning opportunity’ for the team,” he stated at the official pre-match press conference in Mumbai on Friday (August 18, 2017).

“First and foremost I want to thank the AIFF for organising the tournament. This tri-series is definitely going to be a good exposure for our team. We want to learn more about our position from these two matches,” he added.

Heaping lavish praise on the Indian National Team for their recent upsurge in the FIFA Ladder, Filho quipped that it will be “quite an experience” playing against India at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.

“India are on a fantastic run right now and it’ll be a good opportunity for us to play them right now. There are really good players in the Indian Team and we would look forward to the match,” Filho pronounced.

Jonathan Bru who has represented France U21 National team before shifting to Mauritius also attended the pre-match press conference along with their coach. The exuberant midfielder took pride of representing the National side and termed this tournament as a ‘different experience playing against in Asia.’

“It’s always an honour to represent the National side. We have to adapt to new tactics, play with newer strategies as we’re not playing in our home condition. It’ll be a new experience for us to play in Asia.”

On being asked about the team composition, Filho mentioned that some of his players are plying their trades in Europe when others are regular in Mauritius National League. “I have got Jonathan from Toulouse while Kevin Bru plays for Ipswich Town. Apart from these two guys, a few more play in Europe. Overall, there’s a perfect blend of experienced boys with youngsters who can perform at the highest level too.”

(AIFF Media)