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FC Goa can confirm they have completed the signing of young winger Nongdamba Naorem on a free transfer from Kerala Blasters.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract after passing the medical and agreeing personal terms.
Immediately after inking the deal, Naorem said, “Today is a big day. I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in India. It’s a club that I feel is the best fit for me and is one that I have admired for a long time.”
“I am now looking forward to understanding what the coach demands from me and script a new chapter in my life.”
FC Goa’s Director of Football Ravi Puskur was also delighted at having completed formalities. He said, “We’re delighted to secure the services of Nongdamba. He’s a highly technical player and has the directness needed in one on one situations for a player in his position.”
“He caught our eye with his performances for Mohun Bagan in the I-League in the 2019/20 season and was unlucky to have his season curtailed by injury last year. We feel that he can develop into a player who fits very well into our system and can become a differential player with a real emphasis on providing the end product.”
Nongdamba moves to Goa after two seasons with Kerala Blasters – the first of which he spent out on loan with Mohun Bagan, helping them to the I-League title in 2020 alongside fellow Gaur Alexander Romario Jesuraj. That season saw him bag two goals and three assists in 16 games for the Mariners.
Last season saw him play three games in the ISL in the colours of Kerala Blasters before an unfortunate injury brought down the curtains to his campaign earlier than expected.
Hailing from Wabagai in Manipur, Nongdamba came through the ranks at the Minerva Punjab Academy before first shooting to fame first with some eye-catching performances for the Indian national U-17 team at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He has since then gone on to play for the Indian Arrows in the I-League before making the switch to Kerala. His sole campaign in the I-League competition will be remembered for a breath-taking solo goal – which saw the nimble-footed winger cut in from the left before dribbling and willing past five Shillong Lajong FC defenders before slotting the ball past the keeper.
Nongdamba Naorem will be wearing the number 17 shirt at FC Goa.
