The fifth edition of the Allianz Junior Football Camp (AJFC) is expected to be more challenging and competitive in selecting the three best players to train in Munich, Germany this August.
According to CEO of Allianz Malaysia Bhd Zakri Khir, the new format allows players to play in 11-a-side league competitions, spread across four regions. This will help the coaches to select the best players.
“This programme is divided into four zones, northern, southern, central and the east coast, with the league covering 20 teams (Group A and B) in each zone. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the next round (semi-final and final),” he said at a press conference, according to Harian Metro.
Throughout the event, a selection panel led by former national team coach B. Sathianathan will choose 18 players from each zone to participate in the Grand Finals in June.
“Only 13 players will be shortlisted from the Grand Finals to attend the AJFC Asia Camp in Bali, Indonesia from July 28-31. The three finalists will then be chosen by German coaches to train in Munich.
“Therefore, we expect AJFC to attract interest to 1,440 players aged between 14 and 16 years old from 80 teams in the country,” he added.
According to Zakri, this event already produced many professional players, such S. Thipanraj and Damien Lim, who are currently playing with Harimau Muda C. In addition, Luveen Visnu Anandhan was given the chance to participate in Malaysian Armed Forces’ (ATM) President Cup team.
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