Rahul Bheke is an experienced and versatile defender who has made 92 ISL appearances for three different clubs.
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ISL champions Mumbai City FC announced the signing of Indian international Rahul Bheke on Thursday. The 30-year-old joined the Islanders from Bengaluru FC on a two-year deal that will keep him at the club till the end of the 2022-23 season with an option to extend further. Bheke is a versatile defender who can play across the back-line. He is currently with the senior national team attending a preparatory camp in Kolkata. The Mumbai-born footballer started his career with the youth side of Mahindra United.
Bheke made his senior national team debut against Curacao in June 2019 during the King’s Cup in Thailand and then went on to make 13 appearances for the Blue Tigers. He further featured in the recent FIFA World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 combined qualifiers.
Bheke is a seasoned campaigner who has made 92 ISL appearances representing three clubs so far. Meanwhile, he has also scored 5 ISL goals that includes the extra time winner in the 2018-19 ISL final to win the title for Bengaluru FC.
The Mumbaikar has played for Air India, Mumbai Tigers and Mumbai FC during his early days as a professional footballer, before joining East Bengal in 2015.
A player like Bheke is a luxury for a coach because of his ability to adapt according to the situation and the needs of the team. He can comfortably fit into both a three-man defence and a two-man central defence. Moreover, he can play at both the wing-back positions. His ability to deliver long throw-ins is also handy.
“This is my hometown club and of course, the defending champions. The feeling of representing your city and your people is what makes this game more special for me, and I did not have to think twice when the opportunity to join Mumbai City came about,” Bheke was quoted as saying in a media release issued by the club.
Head Coach, Sergio Lobera described Bheke as an “experienced professional”.
“He’s tremendously versatile in his abilities and he brings the traits of a leader, which is highly regarded in our club. Rahul knows what it takes to be a winner and he has the right mentality. We are happy to have him here and I am confident that he can contribute positively at Mumbai City,” said Lobera.
Meanwhile, the Islanders have already roped in the young Indian international Lalengmawia from North East United FC. The 20-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year-deal with Mumbai City FC.
They have also brought in Igor Angulo from FC Goa. The Spanish striker won the ISL Golden Boot last season with 14 goals for FC Goa. The 37-year-old helped the team qualify for the semi-finals and lost to the eventual champions Mumbai on penalties.
