AGENCIES, PUNE: The will to fight against all odds is perhaps what defines a strong character. And as the Nepal senior team gears up to clash swords against India, coach KC Dhurba reminisces the strength of character showcased by the contingent, post-earthquake, to train and play “The Beautiful Game.’
“There have been many initiatives taken by the squad members of the Nepal team like opening up their own school, starting their own academies and building shelters for the survivors of the earthquake,” Dhurba informed in the official pre-match press conference.
“The players have been training for one month in the ANFA HQ. And although it is a makeshift facility, the players have tried to their best to play the game.”
“At the same time, we are in a process to rebuild the squad. And there are 10 new entrants, including four from the SAFF U-19 Championship team, which have been selected in the squad against India,” Dhurba quipped.
“We are also trying out different tactics and formations.” Out of 19 matches between the two sides, Nepal have managed to win just four, while India have recorded victory on 12 occasions.
“It is not impossible to defeat India. We have had results in the past where we have defeated them, all we need is a good strategy,” expressed captain Sagar Thapa.
“The match against India is an important one in context to the build up to the SAFF Championships which we will participate in, next,” Thapa stated.
“Nepal has a huge potential when it comes to footballing talent. We just need to harness it as football is loved by all in the Nation,” he concluded.
