SUNDAY, JULY 07, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: Goa's Asher Rebello and Jodwick Abranches have been selected for the U-17 National Camp to be held in Srinagar from July 8 in preparation for the SAFF U-17 Men's Championship 2024.
Both players, Asher Rebello (FC Goa) and Jodwick Abranches (Dempo SC), excelled as defenders in the U-17 Youth League, leading to their selection for the national training camp.
"Goa's Asher Rebello and Jodwick Abranches have not only made their respective clubs proud but also the state of Goa," remarked GFA's senior Vice-President Anthony Pango.
The seven-nation tournament will take place in Bhutan from September 18 to 28. India is grouped with Maldives and Bangladesh in Group A, while Group B consists of Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. After the SAFF Camp, the squad will continue training in Srinagar for the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for October 2024.
Speaking about Asher Rebello, FC Goa U-17 coach Shane said, "Asher has great qualities as a center back. If he continues this way, he can become one of the finest defenders in our country. He is dedicated, passionate, and well-disciplined both on and off the pitch. He is very independent and understands the demands of the modern game. He manages his diet and has invested in a home gym to keep himself physically fit and focused on recovery, ensuring he stays injury-free."
On the other hand, Dempo Junior U-17 coach Pradeep Chopdekar praised Jodwick Abranches, saying, "Jodwick is a good student of the game. He played as a central midfielder in the Dempo U-13 team before I transitioned him to a central defender in the U-15 team, and now he is in the U-17 team. He has shown significant improvement over the last nine months. He is focused on his game and goals, listens to coaches' instructions, and is always eager to learn. His conversion rate in corner kicks is good.”
“If he continues with the same pace and intensity, he will surely wear the India team jersey. Last season, we won the GFA U-17 League, were AIFF U-17 Youth League Regional Round Champions, and qualified for the Dreams Sports Championship national round, where Jodwick played a major role. Players like Jodwick make coaches proud," Chopdekar added.
