CHENNAI: With the 10th edition of Hero I-League officially inaugurated in Delhi on Tuesday, there are only 10 days left for the start of India’s premier domestic football league, as far as official status is concerned.
Chennai City FC have begun recruitment in earnest, announcing the loan signing of two foreign recruits — Brazilian strikers Marcos Tank and Charles from Portuguese District League club Grupo Desportivo Santa Cruz de Alvarenga (GDSC Alvarenga).
Marcos and Charles have come through the academies of SC Corinthians and Fluminense FC, respectively, going on to represent the senior squads. The transfer was intermediated by foreign-based agency Think Ball and Sports Consulting.
“We went through quite a few profiles before zeroing in on the duo. The team management saw extensive videos and after long negotiation, we managed to get them to sign on the dotted lines,” Chennai City FC owner Rohit Ramesh told Express.
“Since we are hard pressed for time, it was imperative during our search to find players who are accustomed to playing with each other. The duo know each other for a long time and it will help them acclimatise to the conditions here,” Rohit added. The club management are working round the clock to ensure they have a full set of players before the start of the league.
“The biggest plus point about the Brazilians is that they are young. Marcos, 24, and 22-year-old Charles have experience of playing at the highest level in Brazil, which will stand them in good stead ahead of the I-League,” coach Robin Charles Raja said. He added that more than names, the focus is on a young and fit squad.
With time ticking away, the debutants have an uphill task ahead if they are to put together a competitive squad. They have currently announced 12 names with two foreigner spots still vacant.
According to sources, the club has been approached by the agent of Mohun Bagan’s former Nigerian defender Echezona Anyichie. The 26-year-old last played for Royal Wahingdoh in the 2014 edition of the I-League. An Australian is also on trial for the Asian quota.
The club is also targeting two more Indian players who have played in the ISL as well as a Mumbai FC player. The names will be announced in a few days after the completion of formalities and medical check-up.
ayantan@newindianexpress.com