GOA: After registering a solitary goal victory over Felda United in early September, the Indian U-19 National Team gears up to clash swords against another Malaysian Club side, Frenz United A, in the second home match of the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy 2015 which is slated to kick-off on September 22, 2015 at Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa.

The kick-off is slated for IST 6pm.

With four points from three matches the Indian U-19 Colts presently stay at third place in Group A of the Championship and Lee Johnson’s boys will aim for a win which will propel them to the top of the Table.

The Asia Champions Trophy offers a unique exposure campaign for the Indian contingent to test their mettle against different South-East Asian Countries on a home and away basis, enabling the ‘next generation India’ to enhance their dexterity, cohesion and chemistry.

Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, Head Coach Lee Johnson emphasized on the importance of a winning mentality which comes through testing your grit against the very best.

“Frenz United are one of the best Club sides in South-East Asia and this gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against the very best.”

Effectively on paper, Frenz United stay the U-19 Malaysian National side with most Players of the Club representing the National colours.

“It will be a tough game. They will be well organized and well drilled. We will have to make sure that we are switched on at all times and remain focussed for the full 90 minutes,” the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace Academy Coach quipped.

“We have good quality within the squad and it is a chance for our Players to showcase their talent in a competitive environment.”

For the record Frenz United A stay unbeaten in this year’s Asian Champions Trophy and are currently at the top of Group A with seven points.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to stamp our mark on the Tournament. The boys have worked hard in training and have shown an improvement in terms of their tactical understanding of the game. They need to work hard, stay focused and try to emulate what we have been working on in training,” he echoed.

Reflecting on his wards, Lee certified: “They are a great group of lads and are capable of making the Senior National Team in the future. But for that they will have to continue working hard day in and day out.”

“This most certainly is the next generation of Indian Football,” he added.

As part of AIFF’s plan to streamline the National Team setup, the Indian U-19 National Team has Sports Scientist Danny Deigan as the Sports Scientist who has also been using the GPS System to test the “fitness level” of the boys.

“The GPS System opens up a whole new portal to assess Players based on their hard-work and fitness. It intimates you about the minute technicalities of a Player and how much effort a Player has to put in to be amongst the best.”

“We have changed many things in recent weeks in order to enhance Player’s development. The players have adapted well and I believe we are moving in the right direction,” Johnson stated.

By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team