Current U-16 crop better than what we used to be at their age: Gurpreet

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the first-choice goalkeeper of the Indian football team, says the current U-16 boys, preparing for the AFC Championship in Malaysia, are better than what the current senior players were at their age.

The colts, being coached by Bibiano Fernandes, have played 20 international friendlies against various U-16 national teams since January 2018 and are presently gearing up for the AFC Championship, which kicks off in Kuala Lumpur from September 20.

"It's a very positive development. If we would have that much exposure what they have been receiving at the moment, who knows things would have been much different. They are very lucky and need to make the most of it," Gurpreet said.

"But overall, I'm very happy that they are getting such opportunities and that youth football is being taken so seriously. After all, they are our future."
Asked what would be his message to the team, Gurpreet said, "I would like them to be humble and stay united as a team. When you go in as a team, you can do things which no one can ever imagine. I hope they win these games and make us proud. Good luck boys."
"Those were the days where I was still wondering I will ever be a professional. Those were the days when I connected with the game and learnt about Indian football at large."