Young lads ready to have a ball

Mohammad Sajid,who plays as a stopper for his team,was one of the 46 players called for the India coaching camp. “Though 46 players were called,only 36 turned up for the camp. And now 22 players have been selected for the AFC festival and I am one of them. It has been a roller coaster ride. Few days back,our coaches called and told us to give our best performance in Tehran. And they promised that if we do well in the tournament and our performance earns appreciation from the selectors,then they would definitely call us for camps in the future. These words have charged me up and now I am looking forward to do well in the event,” he informed. Meanwhile,the team is going through its last round training session. “Right now the main stress is on free-kicks and corners. The coaches told us that it was our weak spot but now our mistakes have been corrected,” shared Sajid. Besides India and hosts Iran,Afghanistan,Sri Lanka,Maldives,Bhutan and Nepal are the other participating nations.

ROLL ON

SAMANDRAM Lanba Luwang will count on his experience during the one month camp held in Goa from April 6 to 26 hoping that it will help him come out with a better performance in the camp starting from May 26 in Goa . “It was my first camp and I can happily say that it was a very good experience. I learned many new techniques and tactics from the coach. Meeting with new players was also an eye opener. Now,I am ready for the camp for AFC qualifiers starting from May 26. The camp will continue for six months and end in the month of October. I want to use my experience in the earlier to good effect and hope to impress the selectors,” shared the 15-year-old who was among the final 34 players selected for the six-month camp.

Meanwhile,Golmei Mariamdun,who had earlier attended the Under-14 camp last year and also played in the AFC Under-14 qualifiers in Iran,is happy to get another chance to prove his worth. “It was my second camp and I was happy to see my game improving with each outing. My hard work is paying off,” said the 14-year-old defender from Manipur.

Like his other compatriots,Golmei and Lanba played matches and put their talent on display in front of the selectors which saw the players getting nod from them. “We played some matches and the best part was that the selectors were present there which motivated us to put in more efforts. The 64 probables were divided into four teams-red,Blue,Yellow and White and we were made to play matches in and out. The players who had performed well in those matches were closely watched by the selectors and they decided to give us one chance. So 34 players,whom they thought were good,were selected,” informed Golmei.

However,the real good thing about the camp was the way Lanba’s confidence got a boost after some chats with foreign coach Colin Toal. “He used to talk a lot with us and he would also share his experience and pass on useful tips. He said that the game of the players have improved a lot since the last time. It was really encouraging to hear those words. He would also come to see us during the practice sessions and tell us when we erred,” shared Lanba who plays as a striker for his team.

Gomei,on the other hand,is happy to get another chance to pursue his dreams. “I want to play for the national football team and hopefully this camp will help me take a step forward in that direction,” he said.

Apart from the camp,these two players are also geared up for the exhibition matches that will be played to prepare the team for the AFC qualifiers. “Not only players get exposure to international football but it also help us grow as footballers. Moreover,we are glad that Gurpreet and Jony Chand will also be in Goa attending the Under-19 camp. There presence would help and motivate us to do better. We would definitely like to see ourselves attending the Under-19 camp soon,” said St Stephen’s Football Academy trainees Golmei and Lanba in a similar tone.