In an extensive interview with AIFF TV, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das termed playing in Asia's premier club competition as a “great opportunity,” and mentioned that he hopes to see an Indian club in the last four of the tournament in the near future. "Playing in the AFC Champions League for the first time is a great opportunity. All Indian clubs should focus on this -- to try and make a mark in the ACL. We must get out of the group stages. In the AFC Cup, we have done reasonably well -- except last year. But in ACL our first endeavour should be to make it past the group stage, and then in 2-3 years probably I would like to see an Indian club in the semi-finals," Mr. Das averred. Additionally, he touched upon the process of how India were awarded the lucrative ACL slot after the AFC “took cognizance” of the case made by the AIFF for the same.
"The AFC was considering expanding the leagues – ACL as well as the AFC Cup. It was always in their mind to expand them. Of course, whenever there were discussions from time to time, we participated. Not just me there were eight other nations who got slots, and we were informed how important it is to expand football in these particular regions. Finally, AFC took cognizance of what we said. It’s a great thing for football in all these countries, especially India,” the General Secretary stated.
RESTRUCTURING WAS A BIG CHALLENGE"
In recent years, Indian football has seen a step-by-step and complete overhaul of the domestic league structure with the latest addition being the Golden Baby Leagues initiative - which covers the U-6 to U-12 age groups and has seen over 35,000 children take part since May 2019.
As a result, there is a complete linkage from the bottom to the top -- with the Golden Baby Leagues being followed by the Hero Sub-Junior, Junior and Elite Leagues at youth level, after which come the Hero 2nd Division League, I-League and Indian Super League (ISL). Mr. Das spoke about the restructuring process stating that it was initially difficult to get across the needfulness of youth leagues and complimented his colleagues for their “diligent” work.
"Restructuring was definitely tough. I would like to compliment my team who worked with me closely and helped in the restructuring process. It was tough to engage with people and convince them about the necessity of these youth leagues and the fact that the concept of youth leagues was pretty much absent in India, even as far as the big clubs were concerned,” he opined.
"Convincing them to participate and spend money on youth development and to engage with them was a big challenge. I think we have done it quite successfully. There are the Golden Baby Leagues, Hero Sub Junior, Junior and Elite Leagues,” he maintained. “Ideally speaking, we would like to put two more age-groups maybe - U-14 and U-17 - in between but then it is a question of resources and finances. At this point in time, I think the structure is good. It was a big challenge and again, a lot of credit goes to my team members who worked diligently.” EAST BENGAL GETS BACK SPORTING RIGHTS FROM QUESS: SINGAPORE BASED COMPANY ARE INTERESTED TO TIE UP KFC NEWS DESK: After parting away with Quess Corporation, East Bengal will going to tie with a new invester. The official formalities at the Stock Exchange in Mumbai,the "Termination of the share subscription and shareholder's agreement" and other formalities were completed which finally leads East Bengal to obtain the desired No Objection letter from Quess Corporation. This will allow East Bengal not only to invite new investors but also to regain the "Sporting Rights" which was enjoyed by Quess since 2018. In a Press release Mr. Ajit Isaac, Chairman and MD-Quess Corp Limited stated, “We are pleased to inform that the JV agreement closure has taken place between Quess Corp and EBC on mutually agreed terms. The formalities pertaining to termination of the JV agreement between Quess, QEBFC and EBC was concluded on 17 July 2020. Consequent to this the sporting rights have been returned to the Club and the shares held by the Club in QEBFC have been returned to Quess. Upholding the future of the game as well as its supporters has been our sole intent from the very beginning and we are glad that the we have been able to resolve all points of discussion in good faith. We believe that the club has fantastic potential and we leave with good memories of the diehard supporters, its talented players and its many sporting victories which we still cherish. We wish the club only the best as we move forward.” Meanwhile, All India Football Federation has sent the documents for club licensing to all the ISL as well as to the I League playing clubs. This procedure is necessary for an Indian club to participate in the AIFF organised tournaments after verifying from the Asian Football Confederation. AIFF has given an extra seven days time to East Bengal to complete all the proceedings. Who will be East Bengal's new investor or sponsor? This is million dollar question among the Red and Gold fanatics. According to the sources a Singapore based company likely to tie up with the hundred years old club as the main investor along with some other investors for the up coming season. It has been understood that the Singapore based company are in a close touch with East Bengal since last few days to finalise the legal aspects. The top officials of East Bengal are in constant touch with the state secretariat 'NABANNA regarding the new investor and their participation in Indian Super League in the forth coming season. MOHAMMEDAN SC SIGNED DEFENDER NABI HOSSAIN KHAN 17.7.20: To strong their defence line Mohammedan SC has been signed NABI HOSSAIN KHAN. Bengal santosh trophy defender Nabi Hossain Khan started from cfl Lower divn team kassipore saraswati..then moved to Milan Bithee Club. Once he was U-19 Player of East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club. He helped George Ttelegraph to move in CFL Premier A from Premier B. He Played for George telegraph for last 3 years in CFL. In I-League 2nd Divn He was the player of ATK Resreve team. He represented Bengal santosh Trophy team for last 2 years. This year He helped Ranjan Bhattacharyya's Bengal Santosh Trophy team to Move up in Next Round. TRAU FC announced the return of defender James Singh 17.7.20: TRAU FC announced the return of defender James Singh. He had a short tenure at TRAU last year but he couldn't show his performance as injury threatened his career. He played for Neroca FC, Sagolband United Gokulam Kerala FC sign NEROCA forward Ronald Singh 17.7.20: GKFC PRESS RELEASE : Gokulam Kerala FC have signed 23-year-old forward Ngangom Ronald Singh from NEROCA FC for the ILeague season 2020-21. Ronald Singh started his career with NEROCA FC and has played for the Manipur team in 17 matches in the I League. His ILeague debut was in the 2017-18 season against Gokulam Kerala FC at Kozhikode, in which he scored a goal. “I am happy to be part of the Malabarians plan next season. It is an honour for me to play in front of the fans in Kozhikode. I wish to score more goals and make the team lift I League title next season,” said the player. NEROCA FC CONFIRMED ANOTHER ASSISTANT COACH 16.7.20: Neroca FC confirmed the signing of Leisangthem Raman Singh as Assistant Coach for I-League 2020-2021. AFC C license coach Ramen Singh played for Pune FC, Indian Bank. Under Head Coach Gift Raikhan, Neroca FC now confirmed two assistant coach ex-Indian National team player Wangkheirakpam Tomba Singh and AFC C License coach Leisangthem Raman Singh. CHURCHILL BROTHERS EXTENDS THE CONTRACT OF LALENGZAMA VANGCHIA 16.7.20: Churchill Brothers extends the contract of midfielder Lalengzama Vangchhia for 3 more years until 2023. India u20 Player 20 years old AIFF Elite Academy product Vangchhia, joined Churchill Brothers last season from Bengaluru FC B team. Here he made his I-League debut against Punjab FC in last season. Lalengzama said after signing the deal - " I am happy to extends my contract with Churchill Brothers. I am really excited to start the season." QATAR TO PLAY THE OPENING MATCH AT AL BAYT ON 21ST NOVEMBER'22 FIFA MEDIA - 15.7.20: The iconic image of FIFA World Cup champions France lifting the trophy at Luzhniki Stadium is still fresh in the memory of every football fan. Exactly two years after that historic occasion on 15 July 2018, the unveiling of the match schedule for the next edition invites the football world to dream of a new beginning – one that, now, has a precise time and place to start. OPENING MATCH: 21ST NOVEMBER (MONDAY): AL BAYT STADIUM (1PM) THIRD PLACE DECIDING MATCH (SATURDAY): KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM (6PM) FINAL MATCH(SATURDAY): KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM (10PM) TIMINGS OF THE MATCHES: GROUP STAGES: 1PM,4PM,7PM,10PM (QATAR TIME) KNOCKOUT STAGES: 6PM,10PM (QATAR TIME) Al Bayt Stadium, a 60,000-capacity arena that takes its name and shape from the traditional tents used by nomadic peoples in the Gulf region, will be the stage for hosts Qatar to kick off the tournament on Monday, 21 November 2022 at 13:00 local time (11:00 CET). The local kick-off times for group matches have been set for 13:00, 16:00, 19:00 and 22:00, with the simultaneous kick-offs for the last round of group games and knockout-stage timings being 18:00 and 22:00. Khalifa International Stadium will be the setting for the play-off for third place on 17 December. The final will kick off one day later at 18:00 at Lusail Stadium in front of an 80,000 crowd. With the aim of providing all teams with optimal rest between their matches, the group stage will last 12 days and, with four matches per day, it promises a full and exciting schedule for fans. The tournament’s compact nature – with no air travel needed to move between the venues – will allow organisers, for the first time, to optimise specific match demands for the benefit and comfort of fans, teams and media. This will be achieved through the assignment of the group fixtures for each matchday to a stadium and kick-off time only after the final draw, currently planned for after the March 2022 international match calendar qualifying window. Once the pairings are known, the possibility will be discussed of providing a more beneficial kick-off time for audiences at home, or indeed for fans in Qatar with regard to the stadium allocation. That additional flexibility is possible without affecting any technical aspects since all stadiums are located within a compact radius and the climate is perfect at that time of year in Qatar, whether it is an early or a late kick-off. On top of that, this will potentially give fans the opportunity to attend more than one match a day during the group stage. WILLIS PLAZA JOINS MD SPORTING 15.7.20: The international footballer from Trinidad and Tobago, Willis Deon Plaza joins Md Sporting Club of Kolkata. This is indeed a good signing ahead of the 2nd division I League which will going to commence shortly. Willis Plaza is not a new name in Indian football. The 32 years old Trinidaddian striker joined East Bengal in the year 2017-18, scored 11 goals in 24 matches he played. Plaza proved himself successful when he scored 28 goals in 32 matches in the year 2018-19 fro Churchill Brothers The inclusion of Willis Plaza will strengthen the squad as he has a satisfactory record in Indian football. KERALA BLASTERS SIGNED RITWIK DAS 15.7.20: Kerala Blasters today announced the signing of 23 year old young midfielder Ritwik Das from Real Kashmir FC. Coming from Asansol, West Bengal, Ritwik was Mohun Bagan Sail football academy product. Starting his professional career from Calcutta Customs then Kalighat MS of CFL Premier, Ritwik Das joined SAI, Eastern Region and played 2nd Division League. Later he joined Real Kashmir FC in 2017-18 season. Being part of Real kashmir FC's 2nd DIvision League winning season, Ritwik played 39 games for Real Kashmir FC, including 15 games in the last season's I-League and Durand Cup. Ritwik have an excellent last season with Real Kashmir FC where he showed his pace along with skill both in attacking phase as well as in back line, which gave Robertson the option to play him as a right-back. PRABIR DAS EXTENDS HIS STAY WITH ATK MOHUN BAGAN 15.7.20: 26 year old right back Prabir Das extends his stay with ATK Mohun Bagan for 3 more years. Prabir Das player 2 season in Mohun Bagan and last 4 seasons in ATK color, will continue his journey until 2023. He is part of the Mohun Bagan's 2015-16 season's Federation Cup winning squad as well as ATK's last season's Winning squad as well as 2016's winning squad. 5 assists in his 20 appearances is the highest by any Indian defender in the last season. Prabir told after signing contract extension - " I am very happy to join ATK Mohun Bagan FC. I have received lots of love from both the clubs and I am emotionally connected to both ATK and MB. As a Bengali, I feel proud to be part of ATK Mohun Bagan FC. Eagerly waiting to be on the pitch for ATK Mohun Bagan FC. NEROCA FC SIGNED EXPERIENCED DEFENDER GOVIN SINGH AND ASSISTANT COACH TOMBA SINGH 15.7.20: Neroca FC today made two big announcement, first one is the signing of 27 year old experience defender Longjam Gobin Singh on a 2 years deal until 2022 and second one is 38 year old Indian International midfielder Wangkheirakpam Tomba Singh as an Assistant coach for the upcoming season. Gobin Singh played as a Defender for Mohun Bagan Academy, Pune FC (U-19) and promoted to Senior, DSK Shivajian and Neroca FC.Tomba Singh have a huge experience as a midfielder in different clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Salgaocar, Churchill Brothers, Air India, Bharat FC, TRAU FC, Neroca FC, Southerm Samity, Rangdajied United FC. He even played for Indian National Team. NEROCA FC SIGNED ONE MORE YOUNG STAR 14.7.20: Neroca FC announced the signing of Lungunhao Sitlhou on a 2 years deal until 2022. 19 years old Lungunhao played as a Center midfield for FC Zalen and Ganggam SC. CHURCHILL BROTHERS ANNOUNCED THE SIGNING OF GOALKEEPER DEBNATH MONDAL 15.7.20: Churchill Brothers today announced the signing of goalkeeper Debnath Mondal for the upcoming season. 23 year old goalkeeper Debnath was part of ATK Reserves team in the last season which played in the 2nd Division League where he made 4 appearances. He is a youth product of Mohun Bagan SAIL Football Academy. NEROCA FC SIGNED ONE MORE YOUNG STAR 14.7.20: Neroca FC announced the signing of Lungunhao Sitlhou on a 2 years deal until 2022. 19 years old Lungunhao played as a Center midfield for FC Zalen and Ganggam SC. JOSIBA BEITIA DECLARED AS THE MOHUN BAGAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR 13.7.20: The Executive Committee of Mohun Bagan were forced to cancel all the physical programmes of "Mohun Bagan Day" following the pandemic caused due to COVID-19. Mohun Bagan observed 'Mohun Bagan day' every year on 29th July to commemorate the famous IFA Sheild victory against East Yorkshire Regiment in the year 1911. In a statement the Executive Committee of Mohun Bagan stated that the decision was taken for the safety and security of the members and supporters. The Executive Committee decided that Mohun Bagan Ratna and other awards will be given as usual to continue the legacy of the club. THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL WILL AWARDED ON 29TH JULY MOHUN BAGAN RATNA 1.Gurbux Singh (Hockey) 2.Palash Nandi (Cricket) LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT 2. Shri Pranab Ganguly (Football) 3. Shri Monoranjan Porel (Athletics) FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR Joseba Beitia BEST YOUTH FOOTBALLER Sajal Bag ( U-18 team) Mohun Bagan club will feliciatate who are present in Kolkata during 29th of July. The recording of the presentation will be uploaded in the social media. I-League and Indian Super League will be conducted in a single venue to reduce team travels - Kushal Das 13.07.20: In a exclusive Interview today Kushal Das said I-League and Indian Super League will be conducted in a single venue to reduce team travels after COVID-19 Pandemic. Planning going on for all the away teams regarding their hotel venues, costs for this single venue tournament. Even if foreigners didn't join this year due to this Pandemic, then AIFF have to plan accordingly for this year's tournament. Talking about ATK Mohun Bagan's inclusion in ISL, he said, he is very certain that East Bengal will also play ISL may be this year or may be next year. But East Bengal must need to show their financial stability with the sponsors. Quoting about U-17 Women's World Cup 2021, he told if situation won't get better, then there will be a chance to see a close door U-17 Women's World Cup. Kolkata may be chosen for I-League venue, whereas Goa or Kerala may be for ISL, but this is not finalised yet. CHURCHILL BROTHERS SIGNED BERSAL VIEGAS 12.07.20: Churchill Brothers signed 27 years old full back Bersal Veigas for the upcoming season after an impressive session at Velsao Sports and Cultural Club in the last Goa Pro League Session. Starting his professional career from Salgaocar FC, Bersal played several Goa Pro League clubs. Scoring 3 goals and 2 assists in last Goa Pro League session, Bersal showed his potential with his impressive acceleration and speed. Though he normally played as a full back, but as per teams need he can switch among different positions. Hardworking defender Bersal didn't played that much in the youth level, didn't even got chance in School teams, but he later joined seminary where he started improving his football skill. CLIFFORD MIRANDA EXTENDS HIS STAY AT FC GOA AS ASSISTANT COACH 10.07.20: Clifford Miranda has signed a contract extension with the FC Goa to stay on as the Assistant Coach under new Head Coach Juan Ferrando for the upcoming ISL season, as well as the AFC Champions League campaign. “I’m delighted to continue my tenure at FC Goa and want to help the team succeed in the coming season. I’m also looking forward to working with our new Head Coach Juan (Ferrando) and together taking this team to new heights. Being able to work with FC Goa in the AFC Champions League is another exciting prospect for me.”, Clifford said after signing the deal. Clifford Miranda recently completed his AFC Pro Diploma Coaching course and as a footballer he represented Indian national team in 44th occasion. The 37-year-old has also played 12 matches in the ISL, representing both FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata (now ATK). Clifford was first appointed as the Assistant Coach for the FC Goa at the start of the 2019-20 season. He then led the team towards the crucial late stages of the League as Interim Head Coach. NEROCA FC CONFIRMED TWO MORE SIGNINGS 10.07.20: NEROCA FC announced the arrival of Ningon Chiphang and Waikhom Rohit Meitei on two years deal until 2022. 23 years old Ningon played as a Right full back for RAU, Santosh trophy - 2018 (Manipur), North east Olympic -2018 and Yarkhok united FC. 19 years old Waikhom Rohit Meitei played as a defender for Army boys (U-17) and YOSC. NITA AMBANI WELCOMED ATK MOHUN BAGAN INTO ISL FAMILY 10.07.20: The chairperson of Football Sports Development Limited, Mrs Nita Ambani welcomed the iconic and 131 years old football club Mohun Bagan in the family of Indian Super League. Mohun Bagan merged with three times champions of ISL, ATK and finally formed ATK Mohun Bagan FC with seven board members headed by the principle owner Sanjib Goenka. In her massage Mrs Ambani said, “We are delighted on the merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan, the two powerhouses of Indian football. I whole-heartedly welcome Mohun Bagan, one of India’s oldest and most renowned club, to the Indian Super League and congratulate Sanjiv Goenka for embracing the I-League champions with open arms. “The coming together of these two heavyweights marks a momentous chapter in the history of Indian sports. The new entity, ‘ATK Mohun Bagan FC’, holds vast potential for not just West Bengal or Indian football but internationally too, as we endeavour to establish Indian clubs as strong players in AFC competitions." Mrs Ambani wishes all the success for the the players and the staff of ATK Mohun Bagan FC and looking forward for an existing future. "MY DREAM IS TO MAKE ATK MOHUN BAGAN A WORLD CLASS TEAM": SANJIB GOENKA:----- BOARD MEETING FINALISE THE LOGO AND JERSEY OF ATK MOHUN BAGAN FC 10.7.20: The Board Members of the newly merged football club ATK Mohun Bagan FC today in a virtual meeting, lead by the principle owner Sanjib Goenka today unanimously decided certain aspects for the smooth running of the newly formed football club. Indian Super League now have a newly merged franchisee ATK Mohun Bagan FC to represent Kolkata in the competetion. ATK holds 80% of stake, that’s why the Officials was forcing that ATK’s name should come ahead of Mohun Bagan. The Board Members of ATK Mohun Bagan pay due respect to the 131 years old tradition while finalising the Logo and Jersey of the club. The important aspects which were decided in the meeting : 1. THE BOARD MEMBERS AGREED THE NAME OF THE NEW TEAM WILL BE ATK MOHUN BAGAN FC. 2. THE GREEN AND MAROON JERSEY WILL BE RETAINED. 3. THE LOGO OF ATK MOHUN BAGAN WILL REMAIN AS "PAL TOLA NAUKA", THE ICONIC LOGO OF MOHUN BAGAN SINCE LAST 131 YEARS. 4. ATK MOHUN BAGAN FC ARE PLANNING TO BUILD UP A FOOTBALL ACADEMY IN BENGAL. 5. YOUNG AND TALENTED PLAYERS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE TEAM. In his message the principle owner of the club Sanjib Goenka said, “My pronams to the many legends who have over decades contributed to the great legacy that Mohun Bagan is. I seek their blessings in this new journey. Mohun Bagan has been close to my heart since childhood. I have had the honour to watch the Green and Maroon play some of their best football. We respect legacy and have retained the same jersey which generations down the line have embraced, adored and loved. My dream is to establish ATK Mohun Bagan as a world class team which earns its place in the international circuit.” The Directors of ATK Mohun Bagan, Srinjoy Basu and Debasish Dutta are delighted with the merger and the decisions which were finalised in their first meeting. In a press release they said, "We have utmost faith and confidence that this entity under the able guidance of the board will carry forward the 131 years of Legacy and Heritage which will resonate in the global arena of Football. In one sentence this avtaar will be glorius past vibrant future ". ATK Mohun Bagan FC will finalise the list of probable footballers shortly to participate in the forth coming Indian Super League. THE FIRST BOARD MEETING OF ATK MB ON FRIDAY 9.7.20: The first ever board meeting of the newly merged club in India football ATK Mohun Bagan would take place on the 10th of July. The merger between the two clubs finalised when the principle owner of ATK declared to merge with the 131 years old iconic club in Indian football Mohun Bagan. It will be a virtual meeting between the board members of the newly football club. The newly formed football club are being registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs which initially comprises of five board members. Debashish Dutta and Srinjoy Bose from Mohun Bagan and co-owner of ATK, Utsav Parekh, Gautam Ray and Sanjeev Mishra were the five board members. Recently, the principle owner of ATK and the Chairman of RPSG group Sanjiv Goenka and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly were included among the board members. The main target of the meeting is to finalise the logo and the jersey of the newly formed club apart from the other relavant issues. Though the board members will give priority to the sentiments of the Mohun Bagan fans. Incedentally, ATK were the champions of Indian Super League and Mhon Bagan bagged the I League in the recently concluded season. TRAU FC SIGNED BIDHYASAGAR SINGH - -- MORE TRANSFER NEWS - CLICK 09.07.20: TRAU FC have completed the signing of young striker K. Bidyasagar Singh from East Bengal for the upcoming season. Starting his career from TRAU FC, Bidhyasagar went to Kolkata giant East Bengal U18 squad in 2016. Later he promoted to the first XI of East Bengal in 2018. 22 year old Bidhyasagar played for East Bengal in Calcutta Football League Premier A as well as I-League for the last two seasons. NEROCA FC CONFIRMED TWO MORE SIGNINGS TODAY 09.07.20: Neroca FC announced the arrival of Ngathem Arnold Singh and return of Lael Shongsir for 2 years until 2022. 24 years old Ngathem Arnold Singh played as a Center midfield / Attacking midfield for SSU, AIM, Trau FC and YPHU. He also represent Manipur in Dr. Tao state team and also played in Kerala premier league. 18 years old Lael Shongsir played as a Center midfield / Defensive midfield for Neroca FC (U-18), Minerva Punjab Academy and KYFA. ALBINO GOMES SIGNED FOR KERALA BLASTERS FC 08.07.20: Goalkeeper Albino Gomes signed for Kerala Blasters FC from Odisha FC for the upcoming season under their new coach Kibu Vicuna. 26 year old shot-stopper Albino is the youth product of Salgaocar FC, he is also part of the AIzawl FC's I-League winning side. He played for several ISL clubs like Mumbai City FC, Delhi Dynamos FC. Albino was also part of Indian U-23 side in AFC U-23 qualifiers in 2016. “I am extremely happy to join Kerala Blasters for the upcoming ISL season and look forward to playing in front of the most passionate fans. The club has a beautiful vision and I feel I’m at the right place. Can’t wait to join my teammates and start prepping for the season,” Albino said after putting pen to paper for Kerala. NEROCA FC SIGNED THREE MORE PLAYERS 08.07.20: Neroca FC announced the arrival of Ningthoujam Leibakchao Meitei, Leibakchao Meitei, Lourembam David Singh on a 2 years deal until 2022. 23 years old Ningthoujam Leibakchao Meitei played as a winger for SKYC, RAU and DMRAO. 23 years old Wakambam Michael played as a forward for Sail football academy, Quartz FC, NISA and RAU. 19 year old Lourembam David Singh played as a winger for RAU. NEROCA FC SIGNED TWO MORE PLAYERS 07.07.20: Neroca FC today announced the return of Khundom Lucky Singh and arrival of Ningthoujam Leibakchao Meitei on a 2 years deal until 2022. 22 years old Lucky played as a winger for Neroca (U-18), Sudeva FC and YPHU. 23 years old Leibakchao played as a winger for SKYC, RAU and DMRAO. MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING SIGN EZE KINGSLEY, RETAIN EIGHT FOOTBALLERS MSC PRESS RELEASE - 07.07.2020 : KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club on Tuesday announced the signing of Nigerian defender Eze Kingsley in a press conference held at Club tent.. The 23-year-old who last played for Punjab FC in 2019/20 I-League has played for the likes of United Sports Club, Peerless SC, Aizawl FC and Mohun Bagan. Kingsley was part of the Aizawl FC team which won the I-League in 2016/17 season. Beside Kingsley, the Club has also extended the contracts of Priyant Singh, Tirthankar Sarkar, Hira Mondal, Sujit Sadhu, Shafiul Rahman, Firoj Ali, Sujoy Dutta and Arijit Singh. NEROCA FC SIGNED OLEN SINGH 06.07.20: Neroca FC today announced the signing of 21 year old defender Wangkheimayum Olen Singh on a 2 years deal until 2022. He played as a defender for Guwahati Town Club football academy (U-18), East Bengal Football Academy (U-18) and YPHU. Neroca FC also promoted some of their under-18 players to senior team. They will be fielded for the upcoming Manipur State League and CC MEET. TRAU FC SIGNED VERSATILE PLAYER CLEAVEN HMAR 06.07.20: TRAU FC today announced the signing of versatile midfielder Cleaven Hmar. On the last Manipur State League season, he played the key role for Muavanlai. Earlier he played for teams like Fateh Hyderabad FC in 2nd Division League. CHURCHILL BROTHERS FC SIGNED KINGSLEE 05.07.20: Kingslee Fernandes rejoined Churchill Brothers. Vasco SC youth product, Kingslee played for Churchill Brothers in 2016-17 season, where he made his I-League debut against Mohun Bagan. Later he joined FC Goa Reserve team and promoted to the first team. TRAU FC SIGNED RONALDO 05.07.20: TRAU FC signed another young defender Nongthombam Ronaldo Singh on a 2 year deal. Ronaldo was scouted by TRAU FC's scouting team for the performance he has shown against TRAU FC in the U18 I-League, held at Imphal. NEROCA FC CONFIRMED THREE SIGNINGS TODAY - AKBAR KHAN, JAMES SINGH AND LAMJINGBA 05.07.20: Neroca FC announced the return of profilic defender Naorem James Singh. 27 years old defender joined Neroca for 2 years until 2022. Starting his career from Mohun Bagan SAIL Football Academy (U17), he played several clubs like Pune FC (U-19), Kenkre FC (2nd Division), Bharat FC (I-League), DSK Shivajians (I-League) and AIMS. Neroca FC also signed 21 year old young midfielder Akbar Khan on a 2 years deal until 2022. Young brother of midfielder Imran Khan, Akbar also played as a midfielder for Ozone FC at Bengaluru in the 2nd division league and AIM. Neroca FC also signed 23 year old local boy, defender Lamjingba Mutum on a 2 years deal until 2022. He played for SAI (U17), North East Sport Authority of India (U-18 I-League), Royal Wahingdoh and NISA. NEROCA FC SIGNED SONGPU SINGSIT & BISHAN MEITEI 04.07.20: Neroca FC announced the signing of two local boy 21 year old Songpu Singsit and 22 year old Yengkhom Bishan Meitei on a 2 years deal until 2022. Left winger Songpu last played for FC Khanglai and Muvanlai Athletic before joining Neroca FC. Bishan played for Royal Wahingdoh FC, Shillong, NACO, FC Zalen & Muvanlai Athletic before joining Neroca FC. Neroca FC scout team spotted 7-8 local talents from Manipur State League. Coach Gift Raikhan will also continue upto next season. TRAU FC SIGNED NARESH FROM JAMSHEDPUR FC 03.07.20: TRAU FC signed Naresh Singh from Jamshedpur FC Reserves team. Right back Naresh played for 2nd Division League for Jamshedpur FC Reserves in the last season. TRAU FC SIGNED MANGKU FROM ODISHA FC 02.07.20: TRAU FC today signed Manipur's 20 year old forward Seiminmang Manchong, popularly known as Mangku from Odisha FC. Starting his youth career from TRAU FC, Seiminmang Manchong joined Royal Wahingdoh, later he played for Delhi Dynamos Reserves, and finally also promoted to Odisha FC team in Indian Super League. He is part of the Odisha FC senior team from 2018, and make his debut against ATK. KERALA BLASTERS EXTENDS CONTRACTS OF JESSEL CARNEIRO 01.07.20: Kerala Blasters today announced the contract extension of 29 year old left back Jessel Carneiro for 3 more years until 2023. Indian versatile defender Jessel made most appearances for Kerala Blasters in the last season, with 5 assists. Jessel joined Kerala Blasters from Dempo SC. Earlier he played for Santosh Trophy team as a skipper and played for Goa Pro League. “I aim to be a part of the team when the club lifts their first ISL Trophy. Kerala Blasters FC gave me an opportunity to prove myself and I hope to put in my best efforts and align with the goals of the club for the upcoming seasons too. This is a new beginning for me and I am looking forward to working with our new head coach, Kibu Vicuna,” Jessel said after extending his stay with Kerala Blasters. New Coach Kibu Vicuna said to the club official that - “Jessel is one of the top Indian left-backs in the country. He had a fantastic season last year and is a very important player for our team. We are very happy to have him extend his stay with the club,” TRAU FC SIGNED ANOTHER LOCAL TALENT 01.07.20: TRAU FC today announced the signing of another local boy midfielder Sorokhaibam Prikanta Singh. He played for Royal Wahingdoh earlier. In last season he played for Southern Sporting Union Football Club of Imphal in Manipur Super League.