Defending champions Pune FC will be out to maintain their reputation in the Under-20 I-League 2013,which kicks off in Jamshedpur on Tuesday.
First up for the champs is Prayag United SC at the Gopal Stadium. The Group-A encounter also will be the tournament opener.
Pune FC u-20s had their first workout at the JRD Sports Complex on Monday.
Coach Ranjan Chowdhury was pleased with the readiness of his team and said: They are all mentally and physically fit and ready to take off. There is a lot of expectation. The boys want to prove themselves again, However,he sounded a note of caution,hinting that his team could not take any team lightly. Almost all teams have undergone changes. Some have included players who have played in the I-league. The inclusion of Tata Football Academy and Sesa FA adds more competition, he said.
In the last edition,Pune FC had beaten Prayag United SC 3-1 at Kalyani. Pune FC will be led by experienced midfielder Abung Meetei this year.