The 25-year-old Indian international will be eager to get back to the field after missing the last three editions of the ISL with a knee injury suffered ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
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Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) have completed the signing of defender Davinder Singh on a one-year deal ahead of the upcoming season. The 25-year-old Indian international will be eager to get back to the field after missing the last three editions of the ISL with a knee injury suffered ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. Davinder’s rise was meteoric, from university football to the national squad. His performances for the India’s U-23 team at the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championship qualifiers, had impressed former national team coach Stephen Constantine.
“With Indian players taking up more and more responsibility, we are delighted to further strengthen our defensive department with a prospect such as Davinder,” said CFC co-owner Vita Dani following the player’s arrival to Marina Machans.
The former Punjab University defender earned his senior team debut at 2018 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. Davinder has made three international appearances for The Blue Tigers so far.
“With Chennaiyin FC’s rich history in the Indian Super League, it is a tremendous honour for me to become a part of this club. The passion of the fans and the club’s family-led ethos made it a very easy decision for me to sign.”
“I am very excited to be working with head coach Boško and my new teammates, some who I have known for years. Have always given my 100% and this season, I am even more determined to bring success back to Chennaiyin FC and my ambition is to make my way back to representing the Indian national team again. I believe this will happen,” the Patiala-born footballer said.
Davinder debuted in the ISL in 2017-18 with Mumbai City FC. He had nine appearances for the Islanders, including one Super Cup outing. On his debut match against Kerala Blasters FC, the talented right-back was also adjudged the Emerging Player of the Match.
Making his return to the league with CFC, Davinder will be eager to make up for lost time with a title at CFC and a spot in the Indian national team.
Odisha FC have announced its goalkeeping coach Joaquin Valerio Olivera and strength and conditioning coach Jose Mascaros Balaguer ahead of the eighth season of the ISL. After retiring from professional football, Olivera was associated with different Spanish clubs and has UEFA ‘B’ Goalkeeper Coach and UEFA ‘A’ Licence.
Expressing his delight, the new Goalkeeping Coach said, “I am very excited about this new project and eager to start working. I am sure it will be a very good season and I will do my best and contribute to the Club with all my experience.”
Balaguer joins the Bhubaneswar-based club with more than 20 years of experience in fitness training in football.
After joining OFC, he stated, “I am happy to sign for Odisha FC and looking forward to come down to India for the ISL. I am very excited for the new project and hope that we can achieve a lot for the Club.”
Speaking about the two new members in the coaching team, OFC Head Coach Kiko Ramirez said, “Mascarós is going to help the team to be in a top condition. He has a lot of experience in top teams in the first division in Spain and with his experience, he will connect quickly with the squad and make sure that they are really prepared for the competition.”
“Similarly, Valerio has a lot of experience working in top teams, and belonging to the staff of Rafa Benítez. We are lucky to have both of them on board in this big project,” the head coach further added.
