Chhetri joins Churchill Bros on loan

Senegal’s Lamine Tamba, Afghanistan’s Balal Aruzo also roped in

CHARLES D’SOUZA

[email protected]

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MARGAO: Churchill Bros have strengthened their team with the acquisition of India captain Sunil Chhetri, on-loan from Portugual’s Sporting Lisbon B team for four months, former Air India, Mahindra and Pune defender, Senegalese Lamine Tamba and Afghanistan captain Balal Aruzo to add punch to their attack as well as fortify their defence as they prepare for the final matches of I-League where they stand a great chance of winning the prestigious national club crown as well as the AFC Cup matches.

Chhetri last played for India against Palestine in the international friendly match but has raised doubts over his fitness, since he was on the bench for most time in Lisbon.

This will be Chhetri’s second return to the national scene after his first stint with Kansas City Wizards, when he returned and joined Chirag United two years ago.

 “Chhetri has already signed for us. He will be an asset in the attack especially as we prepare for the AFC Cup matches,” said Churchill Alemao.

“Churchill Brothers lead the goal scoring charts in the I-League with 42 goals and the addition of Chhetri will only bolster our chances. We are just two points behind league leaders East Bengal who have played two more games than us,” added Churchill.

Senegalese Lamine Tamba also signed for Churchill Bros and will replace Bilal Najjarin who left for UAE.

Balal Aruzo, who hails from Afghanistan, had captained his country in SAFF Cup in Delhi.

Rahul Fernandes, manager of Chhetri, said that the player was excited to don colours for Churchill Brothers. He has promised to give his best for the new club, he added.

Meanwhile, Churchill said that he had written a letter to the AIFF urging them to release four players, namely striker Sunil Chhetri, midfielder Lenny Rodrigues, Denzil Franco and goalkeeper Sandip Nandi by February 17 as they needed them for the preparations of the team for AFC Cup match against Hong Kong’s Kitchee Sports Club away tie on February 26. The four are currently attending the preparatory camp for the AFC Challenge Cup in Pune. He hoped that AIFF would do justice and release the players.

Later, Churchill will play Singapore Armed Forces and Semen Padang of Indonesia.

Joaquim Alemao, president of Churchill Brothers, stated that the four players are needed for the AFC Cup match in Hong Kong immediately and hoped that the AIFF will accede to their request.

Meanwhile, national coach Wim Koevermans has released injured Joaquim Abranches of Dempo from the ongoing camp for AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. Abranches sustained an injury on his left quadriceps during Dempo SC’s match against Air India. However, Koevermans hasn’t called for any replacement.

India are scheduled to play their first match against Chinese Taipei on March 2 followed by matches against Guam and hosts Myanmar on March 4 and March 6 respectively.