We have to keep going, say debutants Mandar and Narender
After six players made their debut at the King’s Cup in Buriram, Thailand last month, there were three more – Narender Gahlot, Mandar Rao Desai, and Jobby Justin — who made their Senior National team debut during India’s opener against Tajikistan in the Hero Intercontinental Cup.
“The aim for any footballer is to play for the National team,” Mandar stated, before adding: “It was a great feeling to make my debut. Now, I have to keep working hard and keep my place in the side. The coach believes in me a lot and I have to believe in myself too and keep going.”
The 27-year-old played in the left-back position and provided the assist for India’s second goal with a well-placed cross from the flank that was converted by Sunil Chhetri in the 41st minute. “I am happy that I was able to grab an assist. The team had a great performance in the first-half but what matters most is the final result. Now, we have to keep working and focus on the next game,” he stated.
Stimac praised Mandar’s abilities while stating that he “gives the team more options” in the back-line. He said: “Mandar was good against Tajikistan. He is a great player who can do very well in the future for the National Team. He gives us more options in his position along with Subhasish (Bose) and Jerry (Lalrinzuala).”
Playing alongside Mandar in the centre-back role was 18-year-old Narender, who has been part of the Indian Arrows side in the Hero I-League in the last two seasons. “Wearing the India jersey was a special feeling,” Narender said. “I was confident from the start but feel I could have done better in the second half. We made a few mistakes but now we are determined to get a good result in our next match against DPR Korea,” he quipped.
Speaking about Narender’s performance, Stimac said: “He is a very young boy. I did not want to risk playing Sandesh (Jhingan). But despite his absence, the defence was excellent in the first half. I am sure we will have 3-4 great defenders with time who can produce more clean sheets, as we did in Thailand.”
The Head Coach also expressed his satisfaction with the efforts put in by Jobby Justin, saying that he will “get his chance” in the future. “Jobby didn’t play much against Tajikistan. But I must say I am happy with how he works on the training pitch. Everyone will get the chance to prove themselves in the coming games, including Jobby,” Stimac maintained.
The Blue Tigers will play their next match in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 on Saturday (July 13, 2019) against DPR Korea in Ahmedabad, the tickets for the same can be purchased on bit.ly/HICTickets.
For Fixtures and other details about the Hero Intercontinental Cup, Click the link
For Trial related updates click-> Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Dalima Chhibber comes on Board as Vector X Brand Ambassador
Also Read: Team India creates magic on the streets of Munich at Adidas FC Bayern Youth Cup World Finals
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…