SHILLONG: The Meghalaya state team has been chosen for the National Football Championships 2013 (Sub-Junior Nationals for U-15 Boys), which will be held from May 15-30.
The competition is divided into two tiers, with the 16 best state teams in India grouped together in Tier 1, including Meghalaya.
There are four groups in the tier, with Meghalaya placed in Group C along with Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Kerala.
Groups A and B will play their matches in Mumbai, while C and D will have their games in Pune.
The top team from each group will qualify for the semifinals, which are to be held in Mumbai.
Meghalaya will play their first game on May 18.
“We’ve managed to select some good players from the U-16 Invitational Football Tournament, organised by the Meghalaya Football Players Association, which has just concluded,” the Meghalaya Football Association’s Sunesh Syiem said through a press release.
“Most of the players are from SAI (Shillong) and Shillong Lajong FC (the two teams who made it to the final of the invitational).”
Syiem, however, is worried about the weather in Pune.
“We have a good team this year with a number of talented players. What I am worried about is the soaring temperatures in Pune of around 42 degrees, which will make things a little difficult for the boys to play.
“But I still have confidence that the boys will do well and adapt to these conditions,” he said.
List of the U-15 squad: Frolicson Dkhar, Baniengskhem Nongrum, Rimanphrang Laloo, Marchsterfield Marbaniang, Khlainbor Khongsit, Reson Malngiang, Russel Nongkynrih, Banman Roy Nongsiej, Belton Lartang, Maitshaphrang Khongjee, Donald Thangkhiew, Kostarland Lyngdoh, Wisely Mulieh, Rapioki Suting, Jefferson Nongrud, Emerson Nongrud, Obadaya Bareh, Superfine Suting, Jerimon Shylla, Ronald L Nonglait.
The coach of the team is Jefferey Warlarpih and the manager is Kiran Joshi.