US, Cameroon players in TN squad

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu have signed USA’s Naradain Imhotep James and Frederick Nigoh Elambi from Cameroon as the two foreign cagers for the upcoming West Asia Super League Final 8 (WASL) in Lebanon scheduled from May 10 to 18.

TN qualified for the WASL after winning the inaugural SABA Championship in April. They are clubbed alongside Shabab Al Ahli, Tabiat and Al Qadesseya in Group B.

TN had competed in the same tournament last year but did not manage to register a win. However, TN head coach CV Sunny is optimistic about the team delivering an improved show but admitted that it has a few problems. Jeevantham Pandi and Vijay, two players who are an integral part of the team, have not received their NOCs from their respective employers.

Adding to it, TN could not lure their first-choice overseas players due to different reasons. “We started training just a few days ago. We still have not started training with the full squad and are hopeful that the NOCs will be cleared by tomorrow (Tuesday). The two foreign players arrived a few days ago and are slowly getting along well,” Sunny told TOI on Monday.

“Luckily, we were able to sign two foreigners. But I am not sure if they will be able to match the standards of the ‘professional’ players in the other clubs. We are training hard with the foreign players part of our group. We hope to deliver our best,” said Sunny.

The head coach is impressed with TN players’ work ethic in the run-up to the tournament. “TN players in particular are in good shape. They are good at shooting but one area where they lack is winning rebounds.” The team will be heading to Lebanon on Friday and will take on Shabab Al Ahl in their opener on Sunday.