New Delhi:The SAFF Chmapionship might be India's happy hunting ground as they have won it for record five times but Indian Coach Savio Madeira does not look a great supporter of the tournament. In his views, he wants the tournament to be an Under 23 tournament to avoid a it makes it very hectic for the players who have such a tight schedule throughout the year.
"In my opinion, SAFF Championships should be an under-23 tournament. It's tough for senior national players to play on every alternate day under the current format," said Madeira. He emphasized on the point that the tournament should be used as an event to build a reserve team.
"The schedule is tough for the players as they were playing in I-League prior to the start of the tournament and now they will again play in I-League again after this. If we want to prolong the career of players, I think the championship should be an under-23 event," he added.
Even Indian defender Gourmangi was in all unison with his coach.
"It's very hectic for us to play in the SAFF Championship as the current format means that we have to play on alternate days. Moreover, it is being held in the midst of I-League. So it's better, if it is made an under-23 tournament," Gouramangi said.
Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News