Internet Desk: NorthEast United FC today strengthened its attack by roping in Uruguayan striker, Sasha Aneff for the third season.
The 25-year-old, who has played in Croatia, Slovenia, Uruguay and Sweden, is the fourth International signing made by the Highlanders leading up to the third season of the Indian Super League.
NEUFC’s Head Coach, Sergio Farias was pleased with the signing of the young Uruguayan. “I am very happy with all the love that I have received from the NorthEast United FC supporters. It is what a player wants. The number of fans that we have in the stadium for each home game is crazy,” said Aneff, a former Uruguay U-20 International.”
Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy, Director of Football, NEUFC said, “Continuing with our philosophy of letting Sergio identify the pieces of the jigsaw, we have brought on board Sasha, who we feel will be an asset for the team. We hope that he will have a great season at NorthEast United FC and aid us in our thrust towards something special this season.”
Sasha’s signing follows the recruitment of Katsumi Yusa, Mailson Alves and Manoel Morais Amorim.
Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters today announced former India International, NP Pradeep as their official scout.
In this role, Pradeep will work closely with head coach Steve Coppell and assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed to discover promising young players and future stars from among the local talent in Kerala.
Hailing from Thodupuzha, Pradeep began playing for the State Bank of Travancore (SBT) at the young age of 17 years.
He helped SBT win four Kerala League titles. Having played in all positions, except as a goalkeeper, his career was marked by his defensive roles as he transformed from a striker to an attacking mid-fielder.
He has represented India at various age group levels, including the under-20 team that reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Youth Championships in 2002. His debut with the India national football team was at the 2005 SAAF Championship which India won.
With 50 international caps, it was his powerful shot from just outside the box that led India to its first Nehru Cup victory in 2007 after two decades of hosting the tournament.
In 2006, Pradeep joined National League champions Mahindra United. Subsequently he has also played for Viva Kerala FC, Mohun Bagan AC, Dodsal Football Club and Mumbai over a playing career where he was the versatile ‘team man’always playing for the benefit of the team.
Speaking on the appointment, Viren D’Silva, CEO, KBFC said, “It is our attempt to promote and nurture home grown talent, and to lay this foundation, NP Pradeep will work with Steve and Ishfaq in finding and evaluating young talented players. These are the first steps in putting together a framework to build a world-class football team at Kerala Blasters.”
On the other hand, FC Pune City in advanced talks with Andre Bikey and Nicolas Velez of Argentina.
Antonio Habas is known to be very particular of the players he wishes to work with and the former Atletico de Kolkata manager is keen to have Andre Bikey and Nicolas Velez to join him at FC Pune City for the 2016-17 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
Bikey was signed as an injury replacement for Miguel Garcia by NorthEast United and the Cameroonian made nine appearances for the Highlanders and even got on the scoresheet once. The former Middlesbrough defender also featured as a defensive midfielder for Cesar Farias’ outfit.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Velez who joined Croatian outfit Hadjuk on a two and a half year long contract, could also feature for the Orange and Purple brigade. The Argentinean striker scored five goals for NorthEast United last season and his runs from the left flank certainly caused a lot of trouble for defenders.
Should Pune City pull off the above mentioned deals, they shall strengthen their squad massively after having already roped in Apoula Edel and Bruno Arias.
Mumbai City FC rope in Brazilian defender Gerson Vieira for the third edition of ISL. Vieira is famous for his energetic performances with teams like Gremio, Red Bull Brazil and Athens in the Brazilian and Uruguayan first divisions.The 23-year-old is a well-versed fullback and centre-back player and had shared the field with Neymar to gain 14 caps for the Brazil U-17 team. He also appeared in the 2009 U-17 World Cup.
With Gerson Viera, they are expected to add Krisztian Vadocz on their roster for the 2016-17 season. He played for FC PUNE CITY in the first edition of ISL.Vadocz last plied his trade for Australia’s Perth Glory where he was once again roped in as a injury replacement in January this year.
He has played for the likes of Osasuna, Motherwell and Odense amongst others and also served as the captain of the Hungarian Under-21 team. Vadocz has scored twice in 40 appearances for the Hungarian national team.