MEXICO CITY: Qatar junior coach Arno Buitenweg said his young players
have prepared well and the U-16 boys will be playing to win when they
feature at this week’s Mexico International Championship.

Qatar is one of five teams taking part in the August 5 to 9 event.
Other teams include Panama, Canada, Bermuda besides hosts Mexico.

“The players know the importance of preparing well. We have come here
to play well and to win and in the process get solid match practice
ahead of key events later in the year,” the coach said.

“We have had daily workouts and I am glad to see the response of the
players. The collective team spirit is very encouraging and hopefully
the players will make an impact,” he added.

“These young kids will go on to play with senior teams one day. I am
proud to be working with this young group,” he said.

“Of course our goal in the championship is to win but we must compete
well,” he said.

“If we win, that would be great and if we do not, then we will look at
the lessons picked up here,” he said.

The event in Mexico City will be used to gain match practice for this
month’s Gulf Junior Championship to be held in Doha from August 20-29.

“We have a few important events coming up and we are taking one step
at a time,” he said.

“Obviously we would like to do well at home event in Doha,” he said.

Qatar coach said the squad is well prepared for the Mexico challenge,
having played two friendlies on their tour so far.

“I know the players are ready to get on the pitch,” he said. “They are
a determined lot with a lot of energy.”

When asked about the opponents, the coach said: “We will be following
all the teams in this event. That will help us plan better.”