Kudos to Project boys

0 Comments | New Straits Times, Jul 26, 2010 | by Jugjet Singh

THE Project 2013 squad returned from their European Tour on Thursday with not only success on the pitch, but also the respect of their opponents and a major breakthrough in the mind-set of the players.

And offers are now pouring in from European clubs for our young guns to play in their leagues.

The Under-19 outfit played 13 matches in their tours of Switzerland, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands. The count was eight wins, two draws and three defeats.

And all their defeats were against the Under-21 sides of Spain, Belgium and Poland who were in the midst of preparing for the European Under-21 championships.

All three teams also had many players from the 2010 Junior World Cup hosted by Malaysia and Singapore.

But the Project boys still managed to hold the Spain and Poland sides in return matches after the initial defeat.

On mind-set, coach K. Dharmaraj feels the whirlwind Tour has made his players more mature and confident, leaving their opponents more mindful of Malaysia.

“We had little respect when we started the tour as Malaysia are no longer feared by European sides. But after our young side started winning matches with ease against established club sides, the outlook started to change,” said Dharmaraj.

At least 10 players have received offers to play in Europe
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