Manchester United Cup: Odds against Lajong

On the eve of the Lajong Under 15 team leaving for the Manchester United Premier Cup, the Northeastern club`s secretary Larsing Ming said odds are heavily against the Indian boys due to lack of proper infrastructure for training.

Shillong: On the eve of the Lajong Under 15 team leaving for the Manchester United Premier Cup in England,

the Northeastern club`s secretary Larsing Ming said odds are heavily against the Indian boys due to lack of proper infrastructure for training. "The boys will be playing against the best teams in the world. It will be extremely difficult for the boys. But they will have an opportunity for exposure and a good learning experience," Ming said. He said the boys were picked up just last December and they will be competing against giants like Barcelona FC, New Castle United, FC Porto and Orlando Pirates who have been training in world class infrastructure. "We hope the experience will help give good foundation to the mind, body and spirit of the boys," Ming said. The Lajong boys will leave for the week-long Manchester United Premier Cup tomorrow. The U-15 team was selected for the prestigious trophy after they defeated JCT 3-2 via tie-breaker at the India leg of the cup in Panaji on February last. Sixty four teams from all over the country had participated in the Nike-Manchester United Premier Cup (under-15) India-leg football tourney. Today, Shillong Press Club organized a small function to see off the team. Shillong Press Club president David Laitphlang said the Lajong team has started a revolution in the sports in the region and hoped that the young team would bring laurels to the country. The team is being coached by Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet. PTI