Football Sri Lanka (FSL) will have a quite busy eventful Calendar in the year 2024/25, where they have listed to host two major International tournaments to be hosted in Sri Lanka.
After a barren period of 12 to 16 months due to the suspension of FIFA, with the conclusion of electing of office bearers last September in compliance with the World Governing body, the FSL has decided to host two major tournaments in Colombo one next year and the other in 2025
respectively. In next August, they are to host the SAAF Youth Tournamnet (under-20) with the participation of seven countries. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan along with host nation Sri Lanka who will vie for honors.
With the intention of resuming football in the country by January next year, FSL was able to negotiate and obtain the rights to host this tournament involving the youth which ultimately is going to be a big boost for Lankan Football. This event was possible due to the efforts made
by the incumbent FSL President Jaswar Umar with his two senior Vice-Presidents-Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr.Manil Fernando.
“We intend to play the under-20 tourney in a window next year August to give an opportunity for the youth segment.This will be a big investment for the future. With the present set of National team players are aging we should have a back up plan where this tournament will enable to fill in that vacancy.”
“To pick the players for this tourney we are to play an under-19 tournamnet in February next year. From there, we want to retain some of the best players mingle with the National team said.” Jaswar Umar.
Meanwhile, the other major event to be hosted will be the SAAF Gold Cup Tournament for the seniors, which is likely to fit in a window June 2025 again in Colombo with the participation of the same countries. This is going to be a major event for the senior National team which is yet to
clinch a major title since last three decades where they last won the same tournament in 1995 under Sampath Perera’s captaincy at Sugathadasa Stadium.
“Our next target is to win a major title. We are focusing the SAAF Gold Cup tournament which we are to host. We have ample time to gear up for it and will fully focus on winning this for our medal cupboard.”
“With Dawn of the new year we have an eventful calendar and will focus the youth and national teams progress with the support of the foreign coaches. We are initiating several plans to pick two squads to represent the two said tournaments and ro get positive results while making football the most popular game in the country while regaining lost past glory.” Jaswar further added.
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