Bhutan’s senior men’s national football team is making final preparations for the SAFF Championship, which begins tomorrow in Bangladesh. The Dragon Boys will take on the hosts in their opening match, hoping to make a strong start to their campaign and secure a place in the semi-finals.The 23-member squad is completing its final training sessions at the Bashundhara Training Ground in Dhaka.
The squad includes three young players, bringing fresh talent into the team. Among them is centre forward Sonam Dorji, who says the team is aiming to win both group matches and progress to the next round.
“All the teams are hoping for a win, and so are we. We are aiming to win both our matches. The first game is always important because winning it will give us a better chance of progressing to the next stage. We will give our best and hope to entertain all the supporters,” says Sonam Dorji.
Experienced forward Chencho Gyeltshen will lead Bhutan’s attack. Despite limited preparation time following the domestic league, the captain says he is confident in the young players and the coaching staff.
“I am very confident in the young boys. I am sure they will perform very well. We did not get much time to prepare because the domestic league had just ended. Even the coach had limited time to select the players. But I am confident in the coach and his experience. I am sure he will handle everything well,” he said.
Head coach Gary Michael Phillips says the players are in good spirits, with no injury concerns reported during the latest training session.
“This morning, we had a light walk. There are no injuries, which is good. The players are happy. This morning was mainly about waking up and getting a feel for the environment rather than focusing on football tactics. I think they are all excited and looking forward to the event,” says Gary Michael Phillips, Head Coach of Bhutan.
Bhutan has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Group B features India, Maldives and Pakistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, while the final will be played on the 17th of this month.
Bhutan reached the semi-finals once, in 2008. The team will now be hoping to repeat that achievement and make a strong challenge for the title.
The immediate focus, however, remains on tomorrow’s opening match against Bangladesh, where a positive result could set the tone for Bhutan’s campaign.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
