Latest news with #SAFF
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Youngsters should not jump into ISL, game time more important: Naushad Moosa
Naushad Moosa is coaching the India under-23 team Panaji: Naushad Moosa has returned as head coach of the India under-23 squad. This time, he has been handed a longer rope, stretching a year, and tasked with preparing the team for next year's Asian Games and the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, qualifiers for which will be held in September. Last year, Moosa, assistant to Juan Pedro at NorthEast United, was in charge of the under-23 team for two friendlies against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. 'The longer contract helps me understand the players better,' Moosa told TOI in a recent interview. 'I spoke with the AIFF and told them it's important to have longer camps as well, so that we can properly assess the players and opponents. I want to bring the best out of these players. Getting them to gel together, though, will be a challenge.' Moosa, a former international who played for India between 1994 and 1998 and won the SAFF Championship in 1997, has named a 29-member probable squad for the two friendlies in Dushanbe against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic, later this month. A concern for Moosa is that a majority of players are with ISL clubs. Many of them are without enough playing time in the top tier of Indian football. 'The younger under-19 players, all of them want to play for ISL clubs. My advice is don't jump (straightway) into the ISL. Of course, you should try, but only a few make it to the top. The youngsters can sign for clubs where they get to play. At this age, it's important for them to be playing competitive matches. Sitting on the bench for financially-rich clubs doesn't really help in their growth as players,' said Moosa. 'The younger players in the ISL are not getting enough opportunities. There are a lot of promising players in the I-League who we will track,' added Moosa. From amongst the 29 probables, only a handful have featured regularly for their teams in the ISL. Just one among them, Vibin Mohanan, has a senior team appearance, though Ayush Chhetri, Abhishek Singh and Suhail Bhat, all aged below 23, are currently under Manolo Marquez with the national team. Mohammed Sanan, Nikhil Barla (both Jamshedpur), Korou Singh, Bikash Yumnam (both Kerala Blasters), Macarton Louis Nickson, Parthib Gogoi (both NorthEast United) and Dipendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan) are the more recognisable names among the under-23 probables. Only two players -- Rahul Raju (Gokulam Kerala) and Mohammad Arbaz (Real Kashmir) – are doing duty in the I-League, the second tier tournament. 'We need to have more camps, more exposure matches. If we cannot travel abroad, we can play here, but with stronger opponents. Losing is not a problem. It's important we play stronger opponents to prepare for the challenges. Our aim should not be to win SAFF. We must look at the bigger stage where we will be properly judged,' said Moosa. India U-23 will face Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic in two friendlies on June 18 and June 21 as part of the AIFF's long-term plans to smoothen a pathway to the senior national team. The team is in Kolkata where they will train before setting off for Dushanbe on June 16.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Fishermen flag concern over pellets from sunken ship
1 2 Kanyakumari: The South Asian Fishermen Fraternity (SAFF) on Thursday appealed to the Tamil Nadu govt to ensure the safety of fishermen and their boats after plastic pellets from a container ship that sank off the Kerala coast washed ashore in Kanyakumari on Wednesday. The container vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank off Alappuzha in Kerala on May 24 and reportedly contained hazardous materials among other items. On Wednesday, plastic pellets called nurdles washed ashore on the Kanyakumari seashore but are relatively harmless to humans. SAFF general secretary, Father Churchill, appealed to the state govt, raising concerns over the plastic pellets and other goods from the sunk container ship affecting fishing operations in Kanyakumari. "Any such items that are getting washed ashore can potentially cause damage to fishing boats and fishing nets. The safety of fishermen needs to be ensured by the district administration by identifying and recovering all the items from the sunk container ship that is drifting in the sea. Fishermen are also unable to venture out to sea and must be compensated during this time," he said. He also urged for rescue teams to be stationed on the seashore in case of any emergencies due to damage caused by items from the sunk container ship.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Pro League confirms August 28 start for 2025–26 season
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Pro League (SPL) board of directors has approved Thursday, August 28, 2025, as the official kickoff date for the 2025–26 Roshn Saudi League season. The season is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The dates were finalized in coordination with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and other relevant authorities to ensure a balanced and organized calendar. The campaign will begin with the Saudi Super Cup, which is set to take place from August 19 to 23, ahead of the league's opening round. The full fixture list for the new season will be announced in due announcement follows a series of meetings and workshops involving the SPL, SAFF, and representatives from Saudi clubs, aimed at creating a comprehensive calendar that accommodates both local and continental competitions.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Two SAFF medals, two different memories for Jodric
Panaji: Jodric Abranches ' ability to learn and adapt is making him one of the more promising younger footballers from Goa. At just 17-years-old, the Dempo SC centre-back has attracted attention with his stellar performance in India's title-winning campaign at the SAFF U-19 Championships at Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, recently. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Verna resident played in all of India's four games in the tournament, including the final where they edged past Bangladesh in a nervy penalty shootout. 'Jodric was ready to learn and adapt,' coach Bibiano Fernandes told TOI. 'In the future, he can be one of the best defenders Goa and India will have. He has composure, game reading, anticipation. He can surely be part of important teams.' The gold at the SAFF U-19 Championships was a satisfying one for Jodric but it wasn't his first. Not many know that he had already won a SAFF title being part of the U-17 side coached by Ishfaq Ahmed last season. But though he returned home with his first international medal, he hardly played any minutes. Jodric learned from that experience and knew what he had to do to circle a starting role. 'I worked harder and proved what I am capable of,' said Jodric. 'I was never demotivated. I realised I had to step up my game.' His performance has earned him praise from his coach, though he will do well not to get carried away. The youngster has been supported by his club with coach Pradeep Chopdekar having the biggest influence since he joined the residential academy. 'I have been with coach Pradeep for a long time and he has helped me a lot. Because of his hard work, I am a better player. It has been a good experience,' said Jodric. When Jodric was called up for the U-19 probables, he was well prepared. Of the 50-odd players who were summoned, Jodric cut into the final squad of 23 without breaking into sweat. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Being part of the India junior teams in the last two seasons has been a boost to Jodric's career. Coach Bibiano's return to India coaching set up has proved to be an additional blessing. 'I like coach (Bibiano) very much. It was good for me with him. I like his tactics and everything he teaches. My next goal is to play in the ISL and represent the senior national team one day,' said Jodric.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SPL announces 2025-26 season start date
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) board of directors has approved the start date of the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League season. The competition is set to begin on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and end on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The dates have been assigned in coordination with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and relevant authorities to ensure an organised and balanced start to the new season. The upcoming campaign opens with the Saudi Super Cup taking place from August 19-23, as announced by the SAFF, while the rest of the competitions will be completed according to the schedule to be announced later. This announcement comes after a series of meetings and workshops involving SPL, SAFF and club representatives aimed at developing a comprehensive calendar for the 2025-26 season, and taking into account local and continental commitments.
