<p>Bengaluru FC’s under-18 side will look to put on a good show when they take on Japan’s Avispa Fukuoka U-18s in an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved friendly game at the Bengaluru Football Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br />The head coach of the U-18 side John Kenneth Raj stressed at the importance of the clash, saying his boys will be looking to put on a good show. “Many of our players are new and come into the side wanting to prove a point. Avispa are a strong team and we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.<br /><br />Speaking at the pre-match press brief, Avispa’s head coach, Yusuke Ogura said, “We are very glad to be here for this game. We are looking forward to it and want to win.”<br /><br />However, having not seen their opponent for Saturday’s play before, things could turn out to be little tricky for the visitors. But Ogura chose to think otherwise. “We haven’t seen Bengaluru. There’s nothing much that we can do about it. Age group game rarely have broadcast. So to get clips of the side is difficult. But having said that we want to focus on our game and try to do our best. <br /><br />“I think that’s the best way to approach when you encounter such a situation.”<br />Kila excited<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Bengaluru’s head of youth development John Kila was excited ahead of his academy’s first ever game against an international opponent.<br /><br />“This is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters. After a year of establishing our academy, we have had the chance to improve our scouting and strengthen the team. <br /><br />“A few players have made the progress through from the U-16 squad which is a positive sign. Since the season has just started we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game, however, we’re happy with this opportunity as it gives us a chance to assess our squad,” he stated.<br />DH News Service<br /><br /></p>
<p>Bengaluru FC’s under-18 side will look to put on a good show when they take on Japan’s Avispa Fukuoka U-18s in an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved friendly game at the Bengaluru Football Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br />The head coach of the U-18 side John Kenneth Raj stressed at the importance of the clash, saying his boys will be looking to put on a good show. “Many of our players are new and come into the side wanting to prove a point. Avispa are a strong team and we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.<br /><br />Speaking at the pre-match press brief, Avispa’s head coach, Yusuke Ogura said, “We are very glad to be here for this game. We are looking forward to it and want to win.”<br /><br />However, having not seen their opponent for Saturday’s play before, things could turn out to be little tricky for the visitors. But Ogura chose to think otherwise. “We haven’t seen Bengaluru. There’s nothing much that we can do about it. Age group game rarely have broadcast. So to get clips of the side is difficult. But having said that we want to focus on our game and try to do our best. <br /><br />“I think that’s the best way to approach when you encounter such a situation.”<br />Kila excited<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Bengaluru’s head of youth development John Kila was excited ahead of his academy’s first ever game against an international opponent.<br /><br />“This is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters. After a year of establishing our academy, we have had the chance to improve our scouting and strengthen the team. <br /><br />“A few players have made the progress through from the U-16 squad which is a positive sign. Since the season has just started we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game, however, we’re happy with this opportunity as it gives us a chance to assess our squad,” he stated.<br />DH News Service<br /><br /></p>
