With rain on the cards, Blue Tigers upbeat for ‘challenging’ Nepal friendlies
Welcome to Nepal. This is your captain speaking – O I am sorry – this is your vice-captain speaking,” the entire team bus burst out in laughter as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took over the microphone, all in an effort to bring in some humour.
“Don’t forget to wash your hands. Stay safe, train hard, rest well and let’s win this,” he summed it up perfectly. The clapping was spontaneous.
Other than Sunil Chhetri, Pritam Kotal and Gurpreet himself, none of the boys have been to Nepal ever donning the Senior team colours. The trio was there in 2015 when India qualified from the play-offs to the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. For Sunil, nevertheless, this is his fourth visit to Nepal.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to improve as a team. Given the current circumstances, it wasn’t easy to get a Friendly game. The Nepal Federation and Government invited us to play, and we thank them for the opportunity and the gesture,” Sunil stated. “Nepal are a very tough side, especially when they play against us, and we are aware of the extreme challenge the two matches present us.”
It’s been raining, and torrentially so for the last 7 days. Even as dark clouds greeted the Blue Tigers on arrival, the weather forecast and experience of the locals predict that the clouds are to get darker in the next seven days.
Head Coach Igor Stimac smiles. “I just hope that it doesn’t rain heavily,” he said. Coincidentally, the preparatory camp in Kolkata had also witnessed heavy downpours, but not extreme enough to become a concern.
Early in the morning, the changing colours of the sky prompted the players to recheck the weather forecast. But, the blue sky and the bright sunshine are more like guests during the pandemic, not willing to stay long for much.
In the team bus, Pritam Kotal sat by the window as his eyes wandered all around, perhaps trying to spot some lost memories. “It was here that I played my second International match. So, a visit to Nepal will always be special for me,” he smiled. “I missed the preparatory camp in Kolkata but was with my club for the AFC Cup, and the best part is that we got some match practice,” he quipped.
Someone who trained at the camp in Kolkata all throughout, and grew his intensity with every given day is Sahal Abdul Samad. Very often touted as an ‘exceptional talent,’ the baby-faced Sahal was seen caressing his boots and getting them ready.
“These are my armour,” he points to his pink boots. “We trained very hard at the camp, and for a reason. This is my first visit to Nepal. In fact, for most of us, this is the first time we are here. It is up to us to make this a memorable one,” he smiles again, as he turns the doting footballer to wipe his boots with utmost care.
CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Women’s Hockey Team inspiring Indian team ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022
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…
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…
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
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…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…