In talk with Paro FC’s Gaffer
The boss of Paro FC, Mr. Puspalal Sharma shares about the on-going training session for the AFC Cup Qualifiers 2022. Tigers, the champions of Bhutan’s biggest league, BoB Bhutan Premier League 2021, are scheduled to face FC Valencia, runners-up of Maldives’s Dhivehi Premier League. The two will clash on 5th April at Maldives National Stadium.
1. Tell us about how long the team is going to train prior to the match?
– It has been over 3 weeks now since we have started our training. We have experienced some disruption in our training schedule due to the current crisis dealing with the Omicron Variant but with prior approval from the government we have resumed our training in full swing; we have exactly a month left before our first match against Club Valencia of Maldives.
2. What is the team focusing on while training for the same?
– Initially physical preparation was our priority but due to time constraint we are actually integrating training in order to gain physical, technical and tactical improvement simultaneously. It’s an away match and everything needs to be taken in consideration from our opponent, to the field of play to the extreme heat there.
3. Is there any new players in the squad?
– We are trying to bring in few international players but nothing has materialized. We have one player (Kinga Wangchuk) on loan from Transport United FC.
4. Has your team’s participation during the first edition of BFF President Cup been beneficial for the preparation?
– Definitely, as we all are aware that its really difficult to gain match experience and exposure in Bhutan due to the mere fact that we have lesser number teams; situation further aggravated by the pandemic when all football activities are put at halt. The PC indeed helped us to strengthen our team identifying our weaknesses.
5. Maldives ranks relatively higher than Bhutan in the FIFA Ranking and the club you are to face has had 4 appearances in the same tournament, how does that make you feel?
– Their ranking and the experience in the AFC Cup would definitely earn them an edge over us. They are definitely a tough opponent but we aspire to give a good challenge.
6. What is the one thing that you feel, Paro FC has an edge over other participating clubs in the AFC Cup Qualifiers?
– As a club representing the country we have a lot of football enthusiasts behind us in support. Motivation is the key factor that drives us to edge over our opponents.
7. Training must be challenging due to the pandemic but is there few good things or advantage of it happening in self-containment mode?
– Having got the opportunity to train under containment mode we understood the true aspect of team bonding. We are also getting to conduct video analysis classes, followed by football concepts education sessions. My boys and the technical team get to meet so frequently that they are always in discussion of the game in Maldives.
