The young Manipuri defender has joined KBFC on a three-year deal.
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Kerala Blasters signed young Indian defender Homipam Ruivah on a three-year contract that will keep him in the club till 2024. Homipam joined Indian Super League (ISL) side KBFC from I-League club Punjab FC. The 20 year old defender hails from Somdal, Manipur. He played for the Indian Arrows in the 2019-2020 I-League season. The youngster was also part of the Indian U-18 team that won the 2019 SAFF U-18 championship in Nepal. Homipam made made his I-League debut against another Kerala team, Gokulam Kerala FC back in 2019.
The defender joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) academy in 2017, where he shaped his professional footballing career. A year later he was spotted by Punjab FC during a trail conducted by them in Imphal. He was immediately selected for the I-League team’s U-18 squad. The youngster lead the team to title in the Elite U-18 league in the 2018-19 season. His performance in the defence was spotted by the AIFF and was picked for the Indian U-18 team. He played a vital role in the Indian teams title triumph in the U-18 SAFF championship.
Yet another strong and youthful addition to our ranks! ??#SwagathamHormipam #YennumYellow pic.twitter.com/h8V0HN0MN9
— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) April 8, 2021
He joined the Indian Arrows in 2019 on loan from Punjab FC. The move to the Arrows gave him more consistent game time.
He won the ‘Man of the Match’ award in his I-League in 2019 against the Malabarians. He then made 14 appearances for Punjab FC in the 2021 I-League season.
The centre back will look to establish a place for himself in the Kerala Blasters defence. The Blasters are still looking for a good Indian defender to fill the gap left by the departure of Sandesh Jinghan.
Given his potential, it would be interesting to see how Hormipam’s careers shapes up in the Indian Super League.
“I am excited to join and continue my football journey with the Kerala Blasters FC. I’ve heard a lot about their fan base and always wanted to be part of the team. I promise to strive harder and want to do the best for the Yellow Army in the future. I am eagerly waiting to begin my training with the team,” Hormipam said in a statement.
The Kerala Blasters Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys welcomed Hormipam to the club.
“I am happy to have a talented player like Hormipam join Kerala Blasters Fc. Being the ‘Man of the Match’ on his professional debut, I believe he will bring out some solid performances along with the support of everyone here at the club and especially the Yellow Army,” Skinkys said.
