PANJIM: Goa’s Princeton Rebello achieved yet another as he earned his place in India U-19 squad which will participate in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers in Saudi Arabia from November 4.
After his impressive performance in the U-18 SAFF Championship in Bhutan, Princeton made the State proud by catching the eyes of Coach Luis Norton de Matos and became the only Goan youngster to consistently feature at the National level.
“I’m very happy and can’t explain my feelings at the moment. I played for India earlier, but making the cut this time in Matos’ list makes me feel special as there were many players from the U-17 World Cup squad,” said jubilant Princeton.
“I thank my family, my parents, friends and all the coaches who stood by me till today, specially coach Eban Mesquita,” said Princeton.
Princeton’s attacking moves and goal scoring abilities makes him unique midfielder which adds on the team’s attacking flair. He scored two goals in the recently concluded SAFF Championship and his strike against Bangladesh was compared to that of Roberto Carlos’ free-kick.
Coach Matos seemed to be impressed with the youngster as he asked the Goan lad to make the best use of his talent and make it to the senior team.
“You have it within yourself to make it big. Give your best and make the best of the opportunity,” said Matos to the youngster.
Matos had shortlisted 29 players for the preparatory camp which was held in Delhi, featuring 17 players from the India U-17 team which participated in the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup.
While 12 players from the India U-17 World Cup team made it to the squad, striker Aniket Jadhav, Pranjal Bhumji, Lalengmawia, Abhijit Sarkar and Amal Das lost their place.
The team had played just one friendly match during their preparatory camp wherein they beat Delhi based Garhwal FC 1-0.
India are clubbed with hosts Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Turkmenistan in Group D play their first match against Saudi Arabia on November 4 followed by Yemen on November 6 and Turkmenistan on November 8.
The team will leave for Doha today where they will play their Qatar U-19 National Team on October 28 before proceeding to Dammam, Saudi Arabia for the AFC U-19 Qualifiers.
