We've prepared well: Bibiano Fernandes on SAFF U19 Championship campaign for Indian team

The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 9 to 18 in Yupia.

Indian U-19 head coach Bibiano Fernandes expressed confidence in his team’s preparation ahead of the SAFF U19 Championship, set to take place in Arunachal Pradesh. While speaking to the media after being warmly felicitated at Hotel Dassang in Naharlagun, Fernandes thanked the local authorities and underlined the potential of Indian football at the youth level.

The Blue Colts had been training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru before arriving in the Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains. The SAFF U19 Championship will mark a historic occasion in the sporting history of Arunachal Pradesh as the state will host an international football tournament for the first time.

Team India is prepared for SAFF U19 Championship

While thanking the organizers for all the arrangements, Fernandes shared his thoughts ahead of what would be an important tournament. He stated, “There’s no doubt that there is talent in India. I’ve been working with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the past seven years, and I believe in our players. We’ve prepared well and one thing we can promise is that we will give our best in every match and aim to reach the final.”

Fernandes also revealed that the current squad consists of 25 players and 7 staff members, with the final 23-player squad to be decided in the coming days for the SAFF U19 Championship.

The RFDL helped in Team India’s preparation

When asked about the toughest opposition, Fernandes was clear in his approach. He shared, “There are no weak teams in a competition like this. Every opponent is tough, and we will take every match seriously. From the beginning, we’ll go match-by-match and give 100%.”

Team India’s preparation started in March and the players are already in rhythm courtesy of their involvement in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). Fernandes shared, “We didn’t need much time to get them ready. The one-month training camp brought the group together, and I’m happy with the work we’ve done. India always has talent—you just need to go out and look.”

The Blue Colts are counting on home support

When asked if there was a unique tactical plan for the SAFF U19 Championship, Fernandes smiled and said, “Of course there is, but I won’t say it publicly. I believe in this team, in the players, and in the staff. They will put up a good show.”

While sending a message to the local people of Arunachal Pradesh ahead of the tournament, Fernandes called for fans to show up in numbers and support the Blue Colts. He also expressed his love for the state and shared his enthusiasm for the location.

He shared, “This is my second time here. It’s completely different from the big cities. No fancy buildings, but there is nature, and it’s beautiful. I’m happy to be back.”

A young Arunachal Pradesh prospect is with the squad

One of the standout moments was Fernandes’ mentioning of Omang Dodum, a young player from Arunachal Pradesh. Omang is part of the squad for the upcoming SAFF U19 Championship and had a glowing review from Fernandes.

He shared, “I’m really happy for him. I’ve worked with him during the U-17 qualifiers in Thailand. He’s a talented player and has been with the national team for a while. It will be special for him to play in front of his home crowd.”

The Blue Colts’ head coach has shown immense belief in his squad and also called for the backing of local fans ahead of the SAFF U19 Championship. As Fernandes and his young Indian side are ready to embark on their SAFF U-19 Championship campaign with optimism and ambition, it will be interesting how they perform in May.

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