AIFF: Recruiting for U-17 world Cup is ‘still on’

by Chittu Shetty March 25, 2017

After the U-17 world Cup bound team’s recent loss to Minerva FC Colts, concerns were raised about whether this is our best team for the World Cup

India’s under-17 team, which until last year looked set to storm the world cup and Indian fans with their performances, now seem to have lost their track. After some disappointing results since last year, which includes AFC U-16, BRICS Cup and Granatkin Cup, the Indian Colts German Coach Nicolai Adams was sacked amid reports of player revolts. In the last 18 games, the Under 17 team has managed to win just one and draw two games, losing all others, and now after the recent loss to Minerva colts, the concerns about whether this is the best U-16 team has just caught fire.

Amid these concerns, All India Football Federation Scouting Director Abhishek Yadav, also the COO of the U-17 National Team has said that the process of recruiting players for U-17 World Cup is presently “still on” under U-17 Coach Luis Norton de Matos. “The Coach wants to give opportunity to all the boys who are on trials as we intend to field the strongest Indian Team in the World Cup,” he stated.

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“Prior to leaving for Portugal for the exposure Tour, we are in the process of playing some practice matches in Goa and Norton wants to see as many players possible in those matches,” Yadav continued, “The idea is to see how the new boys (who are on trials) react to match situations and that’s the best manner in which you can judge a player.”

Agree with Abhishek Yadav was the new Coach Matos, who stated “The doors for the India U-17 World Cup stay open till the final day of the registration and I appreciate the efforts of the All India Football Federation in leaving no stone unturned to field the best Indian XI in the World Cup. The efforts are allowing me to see more players and it’s nice to see the Clubs, the League and the AIFF joining hands together for the development of Indian Football,” he added.

While the U-17 player’s road takes a new turn towards the World Cup, a sense of uncertainty seems to be in the air. With another round of exposure trip lurking around, one can just hope that the new coach gets back that winning mentality in the camp before they take on the world.