Northeast, March 3: National Coach Igor Stimac has named 10 footballers from the Northeast in the 35-member list of probables for the Indian National Team’s forthcoming back-to-back International Friendlies against Oman and UAE, which will be held in Dubai on March 25 and March 29, respectively.
The final list of 28 players will be announced after the Hero Indian Super League final, which is slated to take place on March 13. The Blue Tigers will assemble in a preparatory camp in Dubai from March 15 onwards, according to a statement by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Footballers from Northeast of India
The players from Manipur include goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, defender Chinglensana Singh Konsham, midfielders Udanta Singh Kumam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Yasir Mohammad, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Bipin Singh Thounaojam.
While midfielder Lalengmawia and Lallianzuala Chhangte are from Mizoram, Halicharan Narzary is the lone player from Assam playing in midfielder position.
“We have kept 35 players in the list as a cushion in case any player picks up an injury during the HISL playoffs,” head coach Igor Stimac said.
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Speaking about the new faces, Stimac said: “It’s been a difficult year for all of us and finally we are all getting together. It will be great to meet some new young guns and to check how bright our future is with them.”
“The two matches against Oman and UAE mean a lot to Indian Football. It’s been a while since we last played and this is a great opportunity to check where we stand at the moment,” the coach said.
“I know the season was a tough one and players might be overloaded. But, we have enough time to refresh their legs and brains. However, many of them will have a break of two weeks without any organised training sessions prior to joining the camp. Hopefully, they will execute their individual working plans,” he added.
