The trio, also vital members of the national squad and product of academy run by All Nepal Football Association, is still eligible to participate in the U-19 tournament.[break]
"I am not going to release these guys," Coach Roberts told Republica, adding, "We are training hard for the SAFF Championship and I can´t risk sending them."
When asked about the possibility of ANFA management releasing them for the qualifiers Roberts said, "I have talked to the president (ANFA president) and he has said my decision will be final regarding the senior team. If those players are released without my consent, I will go home the very next day."
Contrary to Roberts, U-19 coach Kishor KC is expecting the presence of trio in the team. "I have demanded inclusion Chand, Sujal and Jagjeet in the team as their presence will energize the team and surely make a great difference," said KC. "However, ANFA has not given concrete decision about them and I am waiting for the arrival of ANFA president, who is abroad since a couple of week," said KC, who is assisted by Mrigendra Mishra as goalkeeping coach.
Nepal is pitted against Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Maldives and host Bangladesh in Group A.
The Nepali team has been undergoing training since August 23 for about two hours every morning. However, coaches have not been able to train the team properly due to the unavailability of a better ground. They have been training in the muddy ANFA ground in Satdobato that is for the most part without grass. Coach KC claimed that he has made repeated requests with ANFA for a green outfield but the requests have been ignored.
"I have requested for green outfield time and again but ANFA has not been able to arrange it," KC said, adding, "Better ground is needed for better result."
"At present we are mainly focusing on physical training as technical and tactical training is not possible in lack of better ground. A team can be analyzed only after observing its tactical strength."
ANFA Vice-president Lalit Krishna Shrestha admitted that the condition of the football ground was poor. He promised to arrange a better ground soon.
Among 37 players selected for second phase of training, including Chand, Sujal and Jagjeet, only 30 have been attending the camp regularly.
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