Mohali (Punjab) [India]September 11 (ANI): Punjab FC have announced the final four additions to their Indian roster for the 2023-24 season – midfielder Sweden Fernandes, defenders Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei and Mashoor Shereef and goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunnaiyil.
23-year-old Sweden Fernandes has signed a season-long loan from ISL side, Chennaiyin FC. He had played 15 games for NEROCA FC on loan last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. The talented left-footed youngster is a popular name in Goan football circles, having appeared for the youth teams of FC Goa, Dempo SC and Sporting Club de Goa.
Kerala-born centre-back Mashoor Shereef has joined the club on a one-year deal after spending part of his last season with NorthEast United FC. He began his professional career at Chennai City before moving to NorthEast in October 2020. He has made 37 appearances for the club over three seasons. In March 2021, the defender also made his debut for the Indian national team against the UAE.
Punjab FC have also signed Nongmaikapam defender Suresh Meitei following his exploits with the club in the successful I-League campaign last season. The 29-year-old Manipuri centre-back has signed a one-year contract with the club after playing 10 matches in the I-League and 3 matches in the Super Cup last season. He recently played for the Indian Army FT who reached the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup and scored a goal in the group stage.
Shibinraj Kunniyil is an experienced goalkeeper who has played for Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, Gokulam Kerala, Churchill Brothers and Sreenidi Deccan in his career. The Kerala-born player played 19 matches for Gokulam Kerala in the last I-League, where he had jointly secured the highest number of clean sheets in the league. He was last seen in action for the Indian Air Force FT in the 2023 Durand Cup.
Speaking about the new signings, Punjab FC Director of Football Nikolaos Topoliatis said, “We are delighted to welcome these young and experienced players to our club as they will bring valuable qualities both on and off the pitch and strengthen our squad. We are confident that they will prove to be an important part of Punjab FC’s future as we move towards bigger goals as a club.” (ANI)
Source: sn.dk