Madeira aims for perfect platform

India's football coach Savio Madeira is confident a fortnight spent in Dubai will be a perfect platform for his team to deliver for a second time in the AFC Challenge Cup when the competition is held in Nepal next month. "We have a fine blend of seniors and youngsters in the squad and I hope this time spent here will benefit the entire team," Coach Madeira told Gulf News yesterday. "I have ensured we have a steady mix as this can be the stepping stone for the youngsters to prove themselves in the long run. And this camp will be an ideal opportunity to achieve this goal," he added. Delayed landing The travelling party, made up of 30 players and eight officials and led by head coach Madeira, had a delayed landing from New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. Mariano Dias is Madeira's assistant and Mandar Tamhane is team manager, while Marcus Pacheco is the goalkeeping coach. The squad will be training every evening at The Sevens ground along the Dubai-Al Ain highway until February 21, when they leave for neighbouring Muscat for a friendly against Oman on February 23. They will return to Dubai on February 24 to play a second friendly against Azerbaijan at The Sevens at 5.30pm on February 27. The team will proceed to Kathmandu, Nepal, for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, where the 2008 champions have been pitted in Group B with the Philippines, North Korea and 2006 champions Tajikstan, while Group A comprises Maldives, Nepal, Turkmenistan and Palestine. Proving time "I will not be too concerned about the results of the friendly matches as our goal will be to ensure every player gets an opportunity to prove himself on and off the field," Madeira observed. The Indian squad that is residing at the Akas Inn Hotel in Al Barsha, is being hosted by Gulf International Promotions, Dubai. "We are grateful to Emirates Sevens, UAE Football Federation, Indian Embassy in Dubai, Sportswater, Haryard Tours, Akas Inn Hotel and Challet Grill Plus for their assistance," said Raul Fernandes, Managing Director, GIP.