RAIA: After following short of qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, India U-16 Coach Bibiano Fernandes wastes no time as he is back home scouting players for the next AFC U-16 tournament to be played in September 2019.
“At moment AIFF is scouting for 2004 born players wherein we are gearing up to prepare for the AFC U-16 championship,” expressed Bibiano Fernandes who was spotted scouting players at Navelim ground.
Last U-17 World Cup drew lot of criticism as Goa couldn’t have a single representation in the team for the finals. However, this time there is good news as Bibiano has started his mission in Goa first.
“I have already spotted two sub junior players from Goa. We will be calling them for a trial camp which will be held in January,” added the former Sporting Clube de Goa captain.
India begins their AFC Asian Cup campaign playing their first match against Thailand on January 6 in Abu Dhabi and Bibiano was quick to take the opportunity the team good luck and said, “All the players have adopted the team philosophy and are playing well. Moreover they are enjoying football under Constantine,”
When asked about his suggestions on Goa’s Santosh Trophy participation, Bibiano suggested “While preparing GFA calendar in different football events, the coach should be selected in advance and should be given a free hand to select players, so that the coach can have time to implement his plans for team and players,” expressed Bibiano.
“I am happy with most of the clubs in Goa is having youth teams” he added.
Bibiano asked the youth to continue striving and playing.
