The Sri Lanka National soccer team resumed its training in preparation for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022) and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers (China 2023). The Preliminary Joint Qualification Round-2 matches begin from March this year.
The pool consists of 21 local players and a foreign player who is eligible to don the National jersey resumed training under the watchful eyes of National coach, Amir Alagic.
They processed the initial PCR test yesterday to make sure that they are free from Covid-19 pandemic including the officials, which is a mandatory requirement stipulated under health authority regulations and guidelines.
The practices will commence at their National Training Center, Beddagana by hosting them in a residential camp. Initially the camp will be hosted for 15 days in a Bio-Bubble under the watchful eyes of National coaches Amir Alagic and Amir Doksanaltic. Emphasis will be on general endurance, mental preparation, model play and testing, and the training will continue for three months.
The main target of the coaches in conducting this camp is to mould the players into one group to play as a unit. With the intention of commencing the Super League Tournament - which is to kick off from January 29 - SLF is conducting this 15-day camp, after which the players will be released to their respective clubs to engage in the all-important inaugural tournament.
A decision to continue with the National pool camp will be taken depending on the health regulations.
Several countries affected with COVID-19 are active in their sporting events, including football, whereas Sri Lanka just managed to conduct a single tournament earlier this year, which makes it one of the four countries in Asia.
The Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, earlier this week stated that sports activities are to resume in several stages under strict health guidelines.
