MARGAO: Churchill Brothers FC U-16 player Harsh Patre is the lone Goan footballer to have been shortlisted for the selection trials for the selection of India U-16 team which will participate in AFC U-16 championship to be held in Malaysia.
Valanka Alemao, CEO of Churchill Bros stated that in all, 20 U-16 football players from several teams which played in the AIFF Youth U-16 league have been shortlisted and that the only Goan team player to figure in the list is midfielder Harsh Patre, who no doubt is an excellent prospect having an outstanding performance in the championship in which Churchill Bros emerged Goa State champions by beating FC Goa to the runners-up spot.
Valanka disclosed that the trials will be held at SAI Centre, Kolkata from March 1 to 7 whereby the selected players having been asked to report in Kolkata on February 28.
Whilst congratulating Harsh for the selection, Valanka felt that there were several other Goan players from Churchill Bros, which included those of GFDC, and even from other Goan clubs who made a mark and held plenty of promise in the championship and as such it was expected that at least two to four more players ought to have been called for the selection trials.
Churchill Alemao, MLA, president of Churchill Bros FC whilst hailing the player for the selection trials, hoped that he would be able to make it to the main India U-16 team so that Goa will have its rightful representation in the National squad.
