India U-20 coach says lack of match exposure hurting young footballers’ development
PANAJI
What is it that Japanese youth footballers do which their Indian counterparts seriously lack? One key element stands out — competitive matches.
That is the crucial difference, according to India U-20 coach Bibiano Fernandes, which has helped Japan become an Asian superpower in football.
The Saligao native has been working with the national youth teams for several years and has witnessed the ins and outs of Indian youth football — the highs and the lows. This makes him well-placed to suggest what Indian football needs to change at the grassroots level to rise at both youth and senior levels.
Speaking at the final of Cuncolim Educational Society's (CES) inter-collegiate football competition, Bibiano was forthright in admitting the shortcomings of Indian football at the youth level.
Addressing the players of the two finalist college teams and the audience, Bibiano posed a striking question:
"Do you know how many competitive matches a Japan U-20 player plays before he turns 20? 600 matches," he said.
Comparing it to the Indian context, he added, "Our Indian players play just 200 matches by the time they turn 20."
Despite the presence of many clubs in Goa, Bibiano acknowledged that some players may still be overlooked by talent scouts.
Encouraging the college players to continue competing regularly, he stressed that consistent match exposure is the key to improving standards.
“There’s a need to play more competitive matches. The more competitive games you play, the better you become as a player,” he said.
Bibiano reaffirmed his belief in the traditional scouting system, where players are discovered through school, college, university, and inter-village competitions.
He noted that while many professional clubs in Goa run youth development programs, some players might still be outside these systems.
However, he urged young athletes not to lose heart, insisting that strong performances will eventually get noticed.
"Someday, somewhere, your performance will be recognised, and you’ll be picked up by a professional club," he said.
“We ourselves played many matches before being spotted — school, college, university, inter-village — and then for professional clubs,” he added.
Bibiano also congratulated the CES management and college for successfully organising the tournament.
“Organising such tournaments is no easy task, so full credit must go to them. These events promote talent and provide players with a platform to excel,” he said, encouraging students to seize such sporting opportunities to bring pride to their college, state, and country.
