Bhutan is preparing to take part in the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, which begins on the 22nd of this month. For the young players, the tournament will be an opportunity to gain international experience and test themselves against teams from different footballing backgrounds.
Nearly three months after the World Cup, another exciting football gala is gathering momentum in Azerbaijan. It is hosting the Under-15 World Cup and Festival later this month.
And some 4000 kilometres southeast of Azerbaijan, excitement is brewing in Bhutan.
These young players will play against Lithuania, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The first match against Lithuania is on the 24th of this month.
The following day, Bhutan will play two matches against Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates.
The team will play its final two group matches on 26th, against South Korea and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“The preparations are going really well, and I hope Bhutan will do really well in this FIFA U-15 World Cup. It is also good for us to experience this, as we will get lots of exposure,” said Kinjor Pelga Yozer, winger for the team.
Midfielder Ugyen Phuntsho said, “We are really excited for the upcoming tournament. We are preparing well. It is our first time, so we are looking forward to the experience. From our side, we will give 100 per cent and try our best to win.”
Head Coach Sonam Dorji said, “We have been preparing for the past month. Our preparation has focused not only on the tactical and technical aspects of the game, but also on the physical, psychological, and mentality of the players. As the World Cup-level tournament demands more physically, the level will be different.”
The tournament will use an eight-sided format, with each match lasting for forty minutes.
Former Arsenal Manager, Arsène Wenger announced the festival in Azerbaijan recently.
“When you compete in football, you want to know how good you are. The only way to know how good you are is to give everybody a chance to do that and compete with everybody else. It can reduce the difference a little bit between the smaller countries and the bigger countries, and it can allow you as well to play more games,” said Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development.
There are 32 groups with 191 countries.
For Bhutan, the tournament or festival will be a chance to compete on an international level.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
