Mumbai: The Maharashtra Zone u19 I-League kicks off on 13^th December with Pune FC playing hosts to Mumbai FC at PFC Ground, Mamurdi (Pune). Pune and Mumbai finished 2^nd and 3^rd respectively last season.

Mumbai will definitely look to improve upon it’s position and fulfil the Junior team Head Coach Abdul Siddique’s vision, “The team has been combining well in training and the practice matches. My vision is clear. I want the youngsters to develop under me and play for the senior squad in the future. The u19 I-League provided the boys much needed exposure last season. It’s a welcome opportunity to be playing again.”

He added, “We hope to improve our performances too. The further we go the more exposure the youngsters get. We are looking forward to the tournament.”

The Mumbai u19 played three practice matches prior to the tournament. Two of them were against IIT Powai which the won 3-1 & 4-0. The third was against the Mumbai Warriors u19 who were also beaten 4-0.

Prior to these practice games, Head Coach Siddique tested his u19 squad in the Nadkarni Cup where the team was beaten 4-0 by Mumbai Customs.

Mumbai FC boasts of many academy graduates in it’s senior team in the form of John Coutinho, Ashutosh Mehta, Rohit Mirza etc.

The post Mumbai FC face Pune FC in u19 I-League opener appeared first on Football Counter.