The 32-year-old South African had signed for the Bhubaneswar-based side ahead of the previous season of the ISL.
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Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Odisha FC and footballer Cole Alexander have decided to mutually part ways. Both parties reached an agreement over an undisclosed release fee. This enabled Cole and the club to trigger a mutual termination of the contract. The 32-year-old South African had signed for the Bhubaneswar-based side ahead of the previous season of the ISL. He had a tremendous ISL season, scoring three high-quality goals over the course of an industrious personal campaign. Alexander further grabbed the limelight with his work rate and desire and was also one of the rotational captains for the club.
“I want to thank everyone at Odisha FC for the opportunity. Thanks to all my teammates, it was a privilege to be with the side and play with you guys. It was a joy being in India experiencing different cultures. This was a difficult decision to make but this is for my family so that I can be with them,” said Alexander in an emotional message for the club and the fans.
“But, I will continue supporting Odisha FC from where I am in South Africa. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Club and all the fans of Odisha FC. I hope one day we can get to work together again. It was such a pleasure to be at Odisha FC. Thank you for everything,” he added.
Born in Cape Town, Alexander played youth football at Hellenic FC and Ajax Cape Town. He further went on to make his senior professional debut for the latter. The footballer has also represented various other South African clubs such as Vasco Da Gama, Chippa United, Polokwane City and SuperSport United. The 31-year-old South African national team member was one of the outstanding performers for Bidvest Wits in the South African Premier League, before joining the ISL.
Club President Raj Athwal expressed his thankfulness towards Alexander on behalf of the Odisha-based franchise.
“On behalf of Odisha Football Club, I would like to thank Cole for his contributions last season. A popular figure amongst the players, staff and supporters we wish him and his family all the best and hope to one day see him back in an Odisha jersey,” his message read.
The club has recently started a grassroots tour from two villages: Gundichapada and Naranpur in Dhenkanal district. The program is being conducted in association with Youth for Sustainability (YfS) and aims at Grassroots Football Development in different parts of Odisha.
“It was really amazing to see the turnout and interest among the youth and small kids here in Dhenkanal. A few of them have impressed us and we are looking to call them for our camps in the future. We are planning to cover as many as football hotspots in the State we can and in coming days, we will be visiting more districts as a part of this tour,” stated grassroots manager Suvam Das.
