By Pune FC Media

PUNE: Defending champions Pune FC Under-17s have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming 13th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament which kicks off at Chandigarh on Tuesday, 22nd September. The squad includes two players from the city, namely Cladeo Nongpluh and Joel Lalremruata of Spicer Memorial High School.

The tournament will be Pune FC Under-17’s first at the national level this season and the new-look squad will hope to match their heroics from last year. Moreover, going into the competition after playing two local tournaments, Pune FC will be confident of their chances.

Speaking on the eve of the team’s departure, Pune FC Under-17 Coach Rakesh Walhekar said, “The team is very excited ahead of this competition. Playing an outstation tournament is always important and it will be a good exposure for our boys.”

He further added, “Being the defending champions, the organisers and the local supporters will have added expectations from us and we hope to put up a good show.”

Last year, Pune FC romped to the title after winning five successive games while scoring 23 goals.  In the process, they made history by winning their first-ever outstation tournament in the very first attempt.

The 18-member squad, which carries forward four players from the 2014 Championship winning side in playmaker Omega Vanlalhruiatluanga, defenders Asish Rai and Kiran Sarvanan along with Cladeo, left Pune on Sunday, 20th September.