On Monday, SC East Bengal confirmed the arrival of Naocha Singh, an I-League winning defender on loan from Mumbai City FC till the end of the 2021-22 Indian Super League season.
Signing Naocha Singh
Naocha, a Manipur native, was instrumental in Gokulam Kerala winning the I-League in the 2020-21 season, playing every minute for the Malabarians. Previously, he was instrumental in the team’s successful 2019 Durand Cup campaign.
The full-back, who can play on either wing, started his career with NEROCA FC’s development program before moving on to TRAU FC before returning to NEROCA for the 2018-19 I-League season.
“I am looking forward to turning out for SC East Bengal. It is such a prestigious club and has such rich history. I will try and help the team this season and also get important minutes under my belt,” said the 22-year old.
Head Coach Mario Rivera said: “Naocha Singh is a strong defender with impressive qualities, and we are very happy to have him with us SC East Bengal. At a very young age, he has tasted success and also knows what it means to play big clubs in India.”
Upcoming Match
SC East Bengal was forced to employ youthful midfielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam as a makeshift right-back in the Kolkata Derby against ATK Mohun Bagan due to Ankit Mukherjee’s hamstring ailment and Joyner Lourenco’s injury.
Under Mario Rivera, Amarjit had also played as a right-back in a few games. He is also SC East Bengal’s fourth signing of the January transfer window. The Red and Golds have had a bad start to the Indian Super League’s 2021-22 season, with only one win in 14 games.
Despite leading 1-0 at one point, they were blasted 3-1 in the Kolkata Derby in their previous match. On Wednesday, SC East Bengal will face Chennaiyin FC at Tilak Maidan Stadium.
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