Aid from Korean coach, Lanka dreams soccer glory in SAF Games

Colombo, Aug 13 (UNI) Buoyed with the training under noted Korean coach Jang Jung and propelled by the dream of cornering SAF Games glory, Sri Lanka's under-23 soccer team will kick off their campaign against Maldives in their opening game at the Sugathadasa Stadium here tomorrow.

Custodian Sandun Devinda has been named skipper of the 20-member squad.

The SAF Games will be inaugurated on August 18 but the soccer competition kicks off on Monday.

Football Federation of Sri Lanka CEO Chrysantha Perera had no doubts that the under-23 footballers were lucky to have trained under Jang Jung, affectionately called JJ, who has a vask knowledge of the game.

JJ came to Sri Lanka's rescue after the visit of the Korean Soccer Association top brass earlier this year. They have pledged to help Lanka improve the standard of the fame and agreed to send an experienced coach to help the players ahead of the SAF Games.

JJ was also happy with the progress made by his wards.

'' They were very co-operative during the training period and so I did not have much difficulties in handling them. They are all in good shape to face opposition that is expected to come from the countries participating in the SAF Games,'' he said.

The coach felt that the Lankans, with a strong defence and swift counter-attacks, could make life difficult for others and deserved a podium finish.

''They can mount counter-attacks against the strongest teams.

They are young and want to make their mark to break into the senior national team.

''All of them are in fine form and we are expecting a good result,'' said Jung.

Football federation chairman Manilal Fernando urged the people to throng the stadium to see their side play and cheer them.

''It is important that spectators gather in large numers to encourage the players as they on national duty to bring honour to the country,'' he said.

Striker Kasun Jayasuriya exhorted his teammates to put their best and play aggressive soccer to corner glory.

''I request all to play hard and fast soccer to win a medal at this championship. We have failed to win the Gold in the past nine South Asin Games. This time, we would be playing before the home crowd and the players must make maximum use of this opportunity,'' said Jayasuriya.

Squad: S Sandun Devinda (c) Asanka Viraj, H M Ajith Kumara, S D Lakshan Thirantha, Thilina Suranda Bandara, W W Sudara Madhusanka, M Anton Tissara Thejan Fernando, R Surath Lochana, K M Thilanka Nalinda, V D Rohana Dinesh Ruwantilleke, Dumidu Wasantha Hettiarachchi, W M Ruchira Priyankara Fernando, T Mahesh Sachitra, B Shiwanka, K Nisal Nilanga, D Anton Nimal Fernando, K Ranga Pradeep, K H Nadeeka Pushpakumara, E B Nuwantha Chamara, R Dimunda Rukmal Pinto.

Officials: Clement de Silva (SP) Manager, Jang Jung (Head Coach), E B Anthony (coach), D Chandrasiri (coach).

UNI AY PM RK1220