Is the SAFF U19 Championship an Ideal Launchpad for AFC U20 Qualifiers?

Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, May 7 (NationPress) – Bibiano Fernandes, celebrated as one of India's most accomplished coaches for youth football, has successfully led the Blue Colts to three consecutive AFC U16/17 Asian Cups from 2018 to 2023. He is now embarking on a fresh journey with a new group of players, starting with the SAFF U19 Championship scheduled to commence on May 9 in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

Fernandes boasts an impeccable record at SAFF age-group championships, having clinched victory in all three tournaments he has guided India through (U15 in 2017 and 2019, and U17 in 2022). The 48-year-old not only aims for his fourth title but also aspires to build a formidable team for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers next year.

"We all recognize that the AFC (U20) Qualifiers are our primary goal. I've been engaging with the players to elevate their performance. We have substantial work ahead to prepare them for next year. This SAFF tournament is an excellent foundation for that preparation," Fernandes expressed to AIFF’s media team.

The Blue Colts will kick off their Group B campaign against Sri Lanka on May 9, followed by a match against Nepal on May 13. Both matches are set to be held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, which previously hosted the 2023-24 Santosh Trophy Final Round.

Although this marks his inaugural experience leading the U19 squad, Fernandes is well-acquainted with several players, as five members of the 23-player roster also participated in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023. He has trained others during his tenure at Bengaluru FC over the past two years.

Additionally, 11 players born in 2008 were under the guidance of Ishfaq Ahmed until last year, narrowly missing out on a spot in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025. Many of them already hold titles from the SAFF U16 and U17 tournaments in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

"I monitored Ishfaq's group last year and believe they performed exceptionally well, potentially qualifying for the Asian Cup. Ishfaq and I discussed the players, and his insights were invaluable to me," Fernandes noted.

“We also kept track of the RFDL, where these players showcased their talents for their clubs. Players from Classic (Football Academy) reached the finals, demonstrating their capabilities,” he added. Eight players from Classic are included in the current squad, the highest representation from any single club.

"There's a noticeable distinction between under-16 and under-19 or under-20 players, as they mature with age. They can assimilate information more effectively and apply it on the field compared to younger players. Their participation in numerous matches, including the Asian Cup and qualifiers, coupled with the RFDL, has significantly contributed to their development," he elaborated.

As the tournament approaches, Fernandes's emphasis has been on maximizing practice matches, both in Bengaluru, where the camp began, and in Arunachal Pradesh since arriving on April 30. The Blue Colts are currently based in Naharlagun, approximately eight kilometers from the match venue.

"We conducted three practice matches in Bengaluru against elite senior military teams, and it was heartening to witness the boys performing admirably. After arriving here a week ago, we played another match on Monday evening. We've been training under floodlights, preparing for the evening matches during the SAFF tournament. The team is progressing well," he stated.

"It's beneficial to arrive early to acclimatize to the local conditions. The ground in Bengaluru differs greatly from the tournament stadium. Weather conditions may vary, and we could experience rain during matches, so training here for a few days equips us to handle any scenario," Fernandes concluded.

He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception at Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar last week, noting the hospitality received thus far.

"We received a warm welcome at the airport, with many fans and media present. We feel truly embraced here. I encourage the local community to support the under-19s by attending the matches. From our side, we promise to give our all on the field. We will leave no stone unturned. Please come and cheer us on in every game,” he concluded.