Indian Football Team: Former international footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo got a new role in Indian football. He has been appointed as the head coach of the India Under-17 Men’s National Team, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Wednesday. 42-year-old Wadu has already taken charge of the team.
Preparatory camp begins in Goa
The Indian U-17 team’s preparation camp began on Wednesday, September 2 in Margao, Goa. The camp is currently going through the trial phase. The main aim is to build a strong squad for the 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Big test in Malaysia in November
India are in Group E of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers. The group matches will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 11 to 20. There, India will play against hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam. As a result, there is a big test ahead of Wadu at the beginning.
Vadu experienced enough as a coach
An AFC Pro license holder, Wadu has considerable experience in coaching. Recently he was the head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club. Earlier, he also worked as the head coach of Real Kashmir FC and Sudeva Delhi FC. As a result, he has coaching experience in senior football before taking on new responsibilities at the age-level of the national team.
Example of success in Indian jersey
Wadu has also made significant contributions to Indian football as a player. Apart from playing for the national team, he was a member of the Indian team that won the FC Challenge Cup in 2008. Also represented India in 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Besides, he was part of the team that won the SAFF Championship in 2005 and the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009. In club football, Wadu was also a member of Chennaiyin FC’s ISL winning team in 2015.
‘Wants to compete at the highest level’
Wadu is excited about his new responsibility. According to him, the under-17 age is very important for the development of footballers. He said that the camp has started with trials and their aim is to get the best preparation for the qualifying round. According to him, footballers of this age should be created an environment where they can improve themselves and compete at the highest level.
Wadu has started building a new team from the Margao camp. The main goal now is to select the best talent through trials and build a balanced team with them. India’s big aim will be to make it to the main stage of the 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup against tough opposition in November’s tour of Malaysia. Let’s see how bright the future of Indian youth football is in the new chapter of Wadu.