Kolkata: This is an assignment of a sort for PR Sreejesh. He is all set to take charge of the India Under-21 hockey team as a goalkeeping mentor for the Junior World Cup slated between December 8 and 18. PTI reports that the captain of the senior side will be passed on the mantle by Dace Staniforth from South Africa who will leave for his country soon.
“I have worked with the junior goalkeepers in Bangalore camp for sometime before going for a break. Dave (Staniforth) has been training the goalkeepers for the last 3 weeks. But from tomorrow onwards I will be in charge of the goalkeeping aspect,” Sreejesh who made his debut for the Indian junior side way back in 2004 told the News Agency.
Sreejesh was awarded the best goal-keeper after India won the 2008 Junior Asia Cup. The coach of the team, Harendra Singh is of the view that Sreejesh s involvement will be an asset not only for the goal=keepers but for the entire team as well. “Sree is currently one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. He is also a great motivator and fun loving guy. So his presence will be of great help,” Singh said.
The Indian junior side’s goal-keeper Vikas Dahiya has high hopes in Sreejesh. “Sree bhai is a great goalkeeper and I have worked with him in the past as well. He is a fantastic jovial person to be with around. He always motivates and inspires everyone to bring out their best on the field,” Dahiya said.
For the captain of the senior side, his experience will definitely come in handy for the juniors who are determined to win the Cup after 15 years. The team needs tips and guidance and nobody better than Sreejesh with all his expertise can guide the juniors to better days. All the best India!