SFA begins tryouts to pick Santosh Trophy squad

GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Sikkim has begun putting together its team for the Santosh Trophy, for which it has also been chosen as the host state for the East Zone round. With the East Zone matches of the 68th edition of this prestigious tournament to be played at Paljor Stadium, SFA is keen to field a strong team. The East zone has West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, the defending champions, Services, and the host team Sikkim.
Gearing up for the tournament, Sikkim Football Association today began conducting selection trials for the state team at Paljor Stadium. Around 40 players have been shortlisted from different clubs based on their performance in the S-League 2013. Out of these, 24 will be further shortlisted for the extensive preparatory coaching camp to be held under the designated coach, Suresh Mukhia, who is also a former Services player.
SFA president, BK Roka informs that the final squad of the state will be announced 15 days before the tournament after the final selection trial which will include Sikkim players who are outside the state. Key players from Sikkim like Uttam Rai, Nim Dorji Tamang, Khusen Mangar, Thupden Lachungpa and others are likely to attend the final trials.
As SFA is hosting the zonal championship for the first time, it is important that the home team performs well in the championship. It is further informed that as a part of the preparatory coaching camp the management will also explore the possibility of practice matches and exposure trips outside the state.
SFA has also invited sponsorship for the coaching camp to help shape the team and improve its performance in the championship.