The NMI U20 Men’s National Team members pose for photo during a sendoff ceremony in the Northern Marianas Sports Association conference room on Tuesday.
NMI Football Association President Jerry Tan delivers his remarks.
THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association held a sendoff ceremony at the Northern Marianas Sports Association on Tuesday for members of the NMI U20 men’s national team, which will compete in the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Kuwait.
At the Ali Al-Salem Sabah Stadium in Salmiya, Kuwait, the NMI squad will play against teams from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Lebanon in a nine-day event that will be held from Sept. 21 to 29.
The NMI team consists of goal keepers Edward Arriola III, Mark Chavez; defenders Leland Deleon Guerrero, Nolan Ngewakl, Moshe Sikkel, Monico Claridades, Daniell Mar Pablo, Leo Takahashi, Cody Shimizu, Zhi Xiang Lin, Jonne Navarro; midfielders Anthony Austria, Ariel Narvaez Jr., Tyler Omelau, Wataru Kadokura, Andrew Sablan, Akoni Matsumoto, Anthony Bergancia; forward players Paul Lizama, Dev Bachani, Markus Toves, Isaiah Hossain; and defender/goalie Casey Chambers.
Joining them are head coach Konomi Suzuki, assistant coach Jershwin Angeles, team manager Mikky Vargas, goalkeeper coach Ronnel Ocanada, team doctor Hazel Mabasa and team analyst Jireh Yobech.
Families, friends, supporters and the officials of local teams were present at the sendoff ceremony.
NMIFA President Jerry Tan, in his remarks, said, “I know that the coaches and players have been practicing hard.” He saw it himself on Monday night amid the heavy rain at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
“I’m sure you guys are really doing your best in preparing for this competition, rain or shine,” he said noting that the NMI players are headed to a region where teams have greatly improved over the past years, and are even trying to qualify for the World Cup.
Tan said the NMI team will see action in the most difficult group in the Asian football event.
But, he added, “there is no easy team. That is the reality, whether it’s women’s team or men’s team, youth or adult.” Nevertheless, he said, “whenever we go…, the coaches and players are prepared to play in very tough competitions.”
Tan said “participating in these AFC competitions helps us grow.” He said he was very happy that the NMI was given an opportunity by AFC, and continues to receive invitations to participate in very high-level competitions.
He said “we have to acknowledge that every game is going to be very tough. We are going to be there, and I’m sure you will do your best and really, it’s about learning. It’s what we learn from every experience.”
Tan said it’s through these tournaments “that we will continue to learn. They are our opportunity to experience high-level competition.”
“This opportunity is awesome,” he added. “This is part of our journey in growing our sport, developing our players and I’m just so glad that we are here to send off our team.”
