We deserved this trophy: coach
India U- 15 girls coach Firmin D’Souza attributed the success in the Saff U- 15 Championship to “hard work”. India were crowned champions in the SAFF U- 15 Girls Championship by defeating Bangladesh by a solitary goal in the final in Thimpu. “We stuck to our task. There were targets for each player and everyone executed it to perfection. I am extremely proud of the girls,” D’Souza said.
“Right from day one when we assembled in the camp we have worked hard. Hard work leads to success and we fully deserve this,” he added. “It’s hard to express how happy I am to get this trophy back home.”
The legendary Bembem Devi, presently the assistant coach of the team couldn’t stop smiling after the final whistle.
“As a player I have been fortunate enough to win medals for my country. But to win it in my first international coaching assignment is perhaps more satisfying. The maturity of this U15 girls, both on and field the field is so inspiring,” she said.
“They are a very disciplined unit.”
Goalscorer Sunita Munda mentioned it’s a “very happy feeling.”
“I can’t ever describe this moment. We are champions, India are the champions,” Munda said with tears in her eyes.
“We had promised that we would be backing each other and fight for our Country,” she uttered in one breath. “The tournament has been an eye- opener for all of us. We want to better ourselves in the future.”
Captain Shilky Devi added, “We are very proud to have won this for our country. This is a feeling which I can’t describe.”
Midfielder Avika Singh attributed the triumph to the team spirit.
“We gave our 100 per cent on the field. It was a very tough match and it’s so satisfying to have emerged champions. Jai Hind,” she said.
We are very proud to have won this for our country. This is a feeling which I can’t describe. SHILKY DEVI SKIPPER