India determined to excel despite world cup postponement
Host of the FIFA U-17 Women World cup India say they are determined to excel in the competition despite its postponement over the coronavirus pandemic.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel who chaired an executive meeting held online on Wednesday, said aside from working hand in glove with FIFA to ensure a splendid hosting of the showpiece hopefully within the new date February 17 to March 17 2021, the India U-17 Women side and other local stakeholders all have hands on deck.
“I feel the postponement won’t affect the preparation of our team. We were getting ready keeping November (the earlier window) in mind. But we are on track for the event, both from the organisation side, and also the team’s perspective,” he enthused
Determined to make a major impact in the competition India U-17 Women World cup coach and former Super Falcons Coach Thomas Dennerby has teamed up with former Super Falcons goalkeeper Precious Dede to tinker the girls into a winning side.
Dennerby who parted ways with the Nigeria Football Federation under controversial circumstance is banking on his experience and that of former Nigeria international Precious Dede to deliver in India.
The experience of Dede who was capped 99 times appearing at four Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Football Tournaments according to the Swedish coach, will come handy in turning the Indian U-17 side into world beaters.
“When you work with young players, it’s important you have a good personality and a good role model. She {Dede} is working very hard with the girls in training and we can already see improvement,” he told Fifa.com before the pandemic chained most sports activities across the globe
Dede represented Nigeria at 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014 African Women’s Cup of Nation, winning the competition in 2010 and 2014.
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Dennerby’s technical crew is made up of Alex Ambrose Assistant coach, Bemben Dev Assistant Coach and Precious Dede Goalkeeper coach.
The India U17 Women team will be making their first appearance at the world Cup. The team had its first international friendly in 2005 losing to Thailand, recorded its biggest win against 12-0 against Sri Lanka in 2018 and its biggest defeat against 7-0 against South Korea in 2016.