Pune: DSK Shivajians FC on Thursday completed the signing of Halicharan Narzary, Nirmal Chettri and Subrata Paul from Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United FC for the upcoming I-League season starting next month.
Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jerry Mawihmingthanga have also returned to the club from the Guwahati-based ISL franchise.
In 22-year-old forward Narzary, DSK Shivajians will look to add youthful exuberance in their attack. Blessed with great pace, the attacker from Assam can play both on the wings as well as upfront. Narzary, a product of SAI and the AIFF Youth Academies, has made seven senior national team appearances till date.
Speaking on the signing, first team manager Dave Rogers said, "I have followed Halicharan's progress over the last two years. His development in the Indian national team and his performances at the top level has been excellent.
"He is one of India's brightest young talents and his pace and quality from wide areas adds another dimension to our game and a threat to opposition teams. I am excited and thrilled to have brought him to DSK Shivajians and under our guidance we know he can develop even further," Rogers said.
In Nirmal Chettri, DSK Shivajians have landed a leader in defence. A seasoned professional, the versatile defender can play as both a centre back and a full back. Part of the Indian national team set-up since 2011, the 26-year-old, who has represented the country at the U-17, U-19, U-23 as well as senior level, is a major coup for the club.
"Nirmal is a model professional with excellent experience; and a desire and passion which he carries both on and off the pitch. He will lead by example and bring organization along with commitment and dedication which is one of the main recruitment strategies we have at this club. He is a great addition to the squad and I wish him every success here at DSK Shivajians," said Rogers.
In shoring up the spine of the club, DSK Shivajians have also re-signed Subrata Paul who manned their posts in their inaugural season. Paul has 64 caps for the Indian national team in his career.
"Subrata Paul for me is the best goalkeeper in India; so to sign him for DSK Shivajians is a real coup for our club.
"His experience and work ethic in training and in games is second to none, along with his ambition and hunger to succeed means he fits perfectly into the profile and calibre of players I want at this club," Rogers said.
