| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam’s national under-21 team manager Zahrin bin Haji Zunaidi has hinted that a number of current players will continue their development playing at an international level with their commitments possibly as early as in July.
Speaking in a post-match press conference after the 1-0 defeat to Myanmar in Group ‘A’ of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament 2018, Zahrin indicated that he has no doubts of the ability and talent of the players.
“There are 10 players in the under-21 team who are still under the age of 19 and they have the potential to go further as long as there is more competitions and football games being organised in a competitive way rather than concentrating on one competition,” he said.
“I think you will see more of them again after this probably in the next football competition in July and possibly one game in October,” the team manager said.
“If they maintain what they have now, I think they will go much further,” said Zahrin.
Myanmar enjoyed a 1-0 win without having the need to switch gears and Brunei under-21 head coach Mario Rivera Campesino revealed the difficulty of stopping their opponents.
“We had many problems in the first half to control the Myanmar midfielders. We prepared one way to stop them but we could not do it. Our planning did not have a good result.”
The manager echoed his sentiments illustrating that Myanmar posed concerns to the hosts.
“We can see the Myanmar players controlling the ball and using the space very well. Of course, their speed is a main problem to the Brunei team. Myanmar controlled the game tonight and they deserved the win.”
Asked about the way forward for the national under-21 team, Mario insisted the need to go back into drawing board while highlighting how important it is to reduce the disparity of level between his side and the region.
“Now, we have to evaluate the team on the situation and we have to plan what is the best way to prepare a team that can be more competitive. We were very competitive but we’re still not in the same level.”
“We need to do many things and hard work to improve players with the young generation. I think if we prepare a good planning for training and improve players, we can reduce the difference of the level.”
Meanwhile, a Myanmar official conveyed to the players not to give in to pressure from the home supporters in their quest for a record-equalling second HBT title.
“We’re satisfied with the result today and it is good for us to be top of the group. We instructed our players to play in a very good manner and we talked to the players not to think the home fans as the opponent’s fans.”
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