TANOA FC will use the opening day of the 2025 NAFSA-CANAM tournament as exhibition matches, with manager Neil Adrakar confirming the focus will be on preparation rather than results.
“With eight teams in the tournament, the games on Saturday don’t mean much unless you’re pushing to finish as the first seed. We’ll use the three games on Saturday as practice matches,” Adrakar said.
“Players can get to know each other on day one of the tournament.”
The former top-flight footballer said the squad is built around youth players who are expected to carry the team throughout the competition.
Head coach Sy Mishra has been working closely with the group, instilling structure and a clear game plan as they gear up for the knockout stages.
“The players have been responding well,” Adrakar added.
Tanoa has a strong pedigree in the competition, having dominated the former CanAM tournament with three consecutive titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Since the merger into NAFSA-CANAM in 2023, the club has continued its participation and remains a respected contender.
In 2023, they reached the quarterfinals before bowing out, a result they will be determined to improve on this time around.
