AIFF Media Team
KOLKATA: NEROCA FC had a competitive season last year as they finished rock bottom of the pile in the relegation spot with only eight points from 14 matches. With the pandemic situation in mind, the Imphal-based side’s reinstatement in the league has offered them another chance to take the club back to where it belongs.
Considering the major overhaul that was required to be competitive again, the transfer window was always going to be hectic for the Orange Brigade. A host of quality signings have provided the NEROCA faithful with plenty of optimism for the upcoming season.
Let’s take a look at key additions to the Imphal-based side ahead of the 2021/22 Hero I-League:
Juan Mera: The gifted Spanish forward has signed for NEROCA and is back in India after a gap of one season. Mera played 15 games for East Bengal in the 2019-20 Hero I-League and netted two goals as the Red and Gold Brigade finished runners-up. Usually a second striker, the 28-year-old is also capable of operating on the wings. He is a product of the Sporting de Gijón academy and has played over 200 matches in the Spanish third-tier.
Sweden Fernandes: The tricky and skilled winger arrives on a season-long loan from Hyderabad FC. The 21-year-old was part of the youth teams of Sporting Clube de Goa, Dempo and FC Goa before signing for Hyderabad. The youngster will be raring to go on his first senior-level assignment in the Hero I-League this season.
Mohamad Kdouh: A former Lebanon international, Kdouh will be NEROCA’s principal striker for 2021/22. The 28-year-old was Lebanese second division top scorer for Racing Beirut last season with a mammoth 15 goals in 16 matches. Kdouh has extensive experience of playing in the top-tiers of Finland, Albania, Indonesia and Lithuania. The Orange Brigade will hope to solve their goalscoring issues with his signing.
Shubham Dhas: The 23-year-old Pune-born goalkeeper was signed from FC Goa in August. A former member of the DSK Shivajians academy, Dhas joined Goa in 2017 but had only been a back-up for the senior team. Now, he aspires to take the next step in his career and receive adequate game time in the Hero I-League with NEROCA FC.
Sergio Mendigutxia: A centre-forward from the Athletic Club academy, Mendigutxia is NEROCA’s second Spanish acquisition of the season. The 28-year-old was a teammate of Mera at Sporting de Gijón and also played in LaLiga for the club. The signing of a quality striker like him has certainly enriched the Orange Brigade’s plans for a better season.
Vicky Meitei: 24-year-old Vicky Meitei is a promising recruit for NEROCA from city rivals TRAU. The left-winger made nine appearances in the Hero I-League last season as the Imphal-based side ended up in third place. Meitei has also represented Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala and Fateh Hyderabad previously.
Ben Quansah: A tall centre-back from Ghana, Quansah will be NEROCA’s leader in defence for the campaign. The 25-year-old was snapped up from Kolkata side Railway FC, where he was the captain. Quansah has formerly competed in the top divisions of Kosovo and Ghana. His versatility allows him to line up as a defensive midfielder and at right-back as well.
Mohammad Abdul Salam: Right-back Abdul Salam has returned to the Orange Brigade for a second stint. The 21-year-old was a part of the club during the 2018-19 Hero I-League and made nine appearances. He then joined Real Kashmir and TRAU but didn’t play a single league match for either side, leading to his re-signing by NEROCA for 2021-22.
