Bengaluru FC’s Focus On Youth Football Is The Reason Behind Our Success In The RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes

MUMBAI: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC has qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending champions of the tournament, having won the titles in 2022 and 2023, and they will be trying to bag the crown for a third time by making it to the final round of the competition in 2024.

“There is a lot to prove. We are two-time defending champions so that puts us under pressure to win the title again. But the boys are doing well and we are eagerly looking forward to the National Championships. Our success in the RFDL is all due to the focus that Bengaluru FC has placed on developing and promoting grassroots and youth football within the club,” Bengaluru FC coach Bibiano Fernandes said.

In the other games, Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) swept aside Chennaiyin FC by 3-1, with substitutes Raj Kumar Sanyasi and Shilajit Santra finding the back of the net for the former in the 65th and 97th minute of the game respectively.

Midfielder Harsh Palande scored in the 89th minute, whereas the Marina Machans had only Roshan Labuktongbam netting for them in the 80th minute of the match. 

Kerala Blasters FC and Dempo SC played out a goalless draw in their Group A fixture in the National Group Stage at the Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai on April 24, Wednesday.

Both teams were unable to break the deadlock at the end of 90 minutes, with the game seeing three bookings. Muhammed Sanooth and Vibin Vidhu from Kerala Blasters FC and Pratik Naik from Dempo SC were shown the yellow card.

Next Day’s Schedule – (April 26)

Group C – University of Delhi Stadium, Delhi

• M1: NorthEast United FC vs Home Missions FC – 08:00 AM IST
• M2: Adamas United SA vs Delhi FC – 11:00 AM IST

Group D – Dhuler Football Stadium, Goa

• M1: Punjab FC vs Sudeva Delhi FC – 08:30 AM IST
• M2: Mumbai City FC vs Pax of Nagoa – 04:00 PM IST