i-League Transfers: Indian International Anthony Pereira signs for Mohun Bagan

Indian International, Anthony Pereira has signed for Kolkata giants McDowell Mohun Bagan today. The midfielder who have spent most of his time with goa based Dempo SC for most of his career was chased by the two Kolkata rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan but eventually it has been learnt that the Mariners have wrapped up the deal for the Indian International midfielder. Anthony Pereira will re-join his Dempo SC team mate Rowilson Rodrigues who have also signed for Mohun Bagan earlier.

i-League Transfers: Shillong Lajong FC sign Trinidad and Tobago International Cornell Glen

Shillong Lajong FC Press Release

Shillong Lajong FC announce their signing of Trinidad and Tobago
International and Worl Cupper Cornell Glen, Picture Courtesy: www.socawarriors.net

Shillong Lajong FC is happy to announce the signing of Trinidad and Tobago International and World Cupper Cornell Glen for the I-League 2013-14 seasons.

Cornell Glen is a regular for Trinidad and Tobago since 2002, with 66 international caps and 23 goals to his name.

Glen was also in the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he appeared in all three of Trinidad & Tobago’s games at the premier event in Germany. His shot nearly upset Sweden in the Caribbean team’s historic World Cup debut which ended in a draw. Trinidad & Tobago were eliminated in the first round after losing to England and Paraguay, but Glen’s performances during the tournament earned him praise and recognition.

Glen’s impressive run with San Juan Jabloteh dominated the TT Pro League, leading the club to two consecutive league championships in 2002 and 2003, while registering 12 and 26 goals in the respective seasons paving him a way to MLS Metrostars and there upon to other MLS clubs including LA Galaxy,  FC Dallas, The Columbus Crew, The Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes and so on.

With this signing, Glen will be the first MLS player to play for an Indian football club.

Before his signing with Shillong Lajong, he was with Trinidad and Tobago’s top-level TT Pro League Club Caledonia AIA.

Larsing Ming, General Secretary of Shillong Lajong Football Club said “We are pleased with the signing of an experienced player like Cornell Glen I hope that Glen will gel well with the rest of the team and we look forward to him joining us and help the team put up a competitive performance in the upcoming I League ”.


The star striker commented on the signing and said, “Shillong Lajong FC has always been one of the well known Clubs from that part of the World (India) and to get an opportunity to play for them would be such an honour and something that would give me immense pride, more so if I could help the Club do well in the League”

i-League Transfers: Jeje Lalpekhlua signs for Dempo SC

Dempo strengthen their attack by signing Jeje from Pune FC

Dempo’s pursuit of highly rated Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua came to an end after both agreed for a deal over two years.

Having come through he ranks of Pune FC, the Mizoram born striker enjoyed an impressive season with the Red Lizards. 22 year old Jeje scored 5 goals while being a key member of Derrick Pereira’s side as they finished second in the I-League last season. In 2012, he led the Indian U-22 team which participated in the AFC U-22 qualifiers at Oman. He was also one of the Indian players who were called for trials at Scottish Club Glasgow Rangers in 2011.

Jeje Lalpekhlua Signs for Dempo SC

The signing of Jeje will add new dimension to the forward line of Dempo SC consisting of Billy Mehmet, Joy Ferrao and  Myron Fernandes. It will give Coach Arthur Papas various options to change the formations during attack. A technically gifted player, Jeje has the pace, agility and playing style which will suit more to the plans of Arthur Papas.

Sharing his excitement upon joining the club Jeje said “It is Dempo where I used to dream of playing .I was excited when i got a contact for Dempo, it was like a dream come true for me. I think I will learn a lot and prosper under their new coach. I am eagerly waiting to join the club”.

The striker is keen to perform under Papas and wants Dempo SC to win the I-League next season.

i-League Transfers: Dempo SC retain their top senior players

Official Dempo SC Press Release

In an effort to keep their best players and to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish, Dempo Sports Club has extended the contracts of Clifford Miranda, Samir Naik, Mahesh Gawli, Peter Carvalho and Cresson Antao, some of their longest serving players.

Clifford, who joined Dempo from Tata Football Academy in 2001 is keen to stay with his childhood club and has stressed that he would help Dempo regain the top spot in Indian football. “It was a difficult season last year but I am glad we had a respectable finish. We will work hard under Arthur Papas and help bring the I-League to Goa again” said the Dempo captain.

Commenting on his decision to stick with the club Clifford said, “There is no reason for me to leave the Club. We have a great team backed by passionate management. I respect our club chairman who has been very kind and supportive all these years. It is because of him that I have stayed at Dempo’s. He is the best boss one can have”.

Dempo Coach Arthur Papas said "Having Clifford sign on again for Dempo has been of a paramount importance. Having got to observe Clifford over the last 12 months he epitomizes the traits that are required when playing for a club like Dempo and is integral to our future plans for the club"

In an age where football players change their clubs every year, Samir Naik gives some food for thought to budding footballers. Having joined Dempo’s in 1999, he has stood like a rock in the Dempo defence sending shivers to the rival forwards. Samir was a part of the legendary Dempo teams which won two NFL and three I-League titles along with a maiden semi final appearance at the 2008 AFC Cup in his 14 year career.  “I have been here for 14 years and I cannot imagine my life without Dempo’s. They have given me an Identity in Indian football” said Samir.

The final list of players for Dempo SC for season 2013-14 is expected to be declared by the end of this week.

i-League Transfers: East Bengal appoint Marcos Falopa as Head Coach

Marcos Falopa is the new Kingfisher East Bengal Head Coach

Kingfisher East Bengal made a high profile move after signing Brazilian Marcos Falopa as their Head Coach who will replace Trevor James Morgan. Falopa, a FIFA instructor, has a very very impressive CV with over 30 years of experience in this field travelling more than 100 countries in the process. Marcos Falopa will join the Red and Gold brigade along with his son Americo who will be the goalkeeping and Fitness coach. Falopa's experience is not only limited to club level but also for national teams while being the Technical Director of South Africa and Oman, and also being the coach of Myanmar. The East Bengal fans would expect Falopa to continue their impressive run in AFC Cup while also getting their hands on the national league, i.e. the i-League.