The All India Football Federation’s overseas scouting portal launched jointly along with the Sports Authority of India has found its first success with Namit Deshpande the first footballer selected by the portal.
The centre-back will join Luis Norton de Matos’ India Under-17 team according to a report in TOI, as they leave for Portugal on an exposure tour. After Portugal, they will travel to Spain, Italy and Hungary for further friendly games.
AIFF secretary Kushal Das praised the scouting team, “I am extremely pleased that the overseas scouting project has helped us unearth an NRI who is suited to represent India at the U-17 World Cup. I am aware of the efforts being put in by the player, his parents and the scouting team to make this possible.”
Deshpande, who was first scouted by previous head coach Nicolai Adam, flew down to Goa to train with de Matos’ team and passed his trial with flying colours.
The India Under-17 World Cup team’s COO Abishek Yadav is primarily in charge of monitoring the portal which receives applications from prospective footballers holding valid Indian passports but living outside the country.
Yadav told reporters, “In fact just yesterday I received two (more) profiles but they are from a different age group. Namit was the most impressive of all the players I have seen. He is a central defender and a very good one at that. When he came to Goa, the coach was impressed with his talent and work ethic.”