The Thai U17 National Team stands on the brink of historic action as they prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025 qualifiers, aiming for glory and the coveted chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The squad has been making headlines since the arrival of dual Thai-English youth player Silva Maxes, who trained with the team and garnered attention for his impressive skills.
Madam Pang, officially known as Nualphan Lamsam and the president of the Thai Football Association, recently welcomed Silva Maxes before his return to England. The young talent, only 15 years old, was called back by Manchester United on February 24, 2025, just days after joining the Thai team on February 15. With his club requiring his presence for the youth setup, Maxes’ departure marks the end of his initial training with the U17s.
During his time at the PTT Rayong Academy, Maxes not only demonstrated technical prowess but also caught the eye of coaches with his performance during friendly matches. His return to England is not merely routine; it's part of his club’s structured program, focused on his development, and aiming to build future stars for the Manchester United youth system.
Upon meeting with Madam Pang, both parties shared moments filled with gratitude. Maxes presented flowers and special jerseys bearing his name and number, 7, as tokens of appreciation for the support received from the Thai Football Association throughout his stay. "Thank you for the great care during my time with the team," expressed Silva Maxes, highlighting the warm relationship built during his brief tenure with the team.
Looking forward, the entire U17 squad is to convene again for training at the Aspire Academy in Qatar starting March 16, 2025. Madam Pang and the association are optimistic about the team's chances as they head to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which will take place from April 3 to April 20, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. The finals will be pivotal for not just for the championships but also as they contend for slots at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will feature the top teams from the Asian region.
The Thai U17 team’s ambitions are as high as their talents run deep. Encouraged by recent experiences, the squad is determined to solidify their skills and strategies to face what lies ahead. And with promising young talents like Maxes integrating back to their respective clubs, the future looks incredibly bright for Thailand's footballing prospects.
With such preparations underway and the guidance of veteran figures like Madam Pang, the Thai U17 National Team is poised to make its mark on the international stage. Football fans across the nation are eagerly holding their breath for what this young squad can achieve at the upcoming championships.