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Bharat FC took a major step on firming up its squad for the 2014-15 season of the I-League, snapping up Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem from Chennaiyin FC on a season-long contract. The 28-year-old Singh joined Bharat FC’s pre-season training camp at the Bharati Vidyapeeth football ground on Tuesday. Bharat FC will compete in it’s inaugural I-League season which kicks off on January 17, 2015.
The strapping Gouramangi comes to Bharat FC on the back of an impressive showing in the Indian Super League. The six feet one inch centre-back made 11 appearances for Chennaiyin FC, driving them to the semi-finals of the competition.
One of the most accomplished players in India, Gouramangi who is a graduate of the Tata Football Academy, began his professional football career with Dempo SC in the the 2004-2005 season making 40 appearances and scoring one goal. He then switched to Mahindra United in the 2005-2006 season, again logging 40 appearances. The next season, he moved back to Goa, plying his trade with Sporting Clube de Goa.
From 2007 till 2012, Gouramangi was part of a highly successful Churchill Brothers SC unit, winning the I-League with them in 2008-2009. Stints at United SC and Rangdajied United FC followed before he switched to Chennaiyin FC. With 71 caps for India, Gouramangi is one of the most experienced players in the I-League.
A resolute defender, the Manipuri also has an uncanny ability of finding the back of the net in crunch situations. Gouramangi is a highly decorated international for India having won the SAFF Cup in 2005 and 2011. He was also part of the Indian team in their winning run at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and has lifted the Nehru Cup on three occasions, 2007, 2009 and 2012.
Managing Director of Bharat FC, Amit Kalyani, said that Gouramangi’s experience and his tactical understanding of the game were factors that made Bharat FC bring him on board. “Gouramangi is one of India’s best players. Having played professional football for more than 10 years now, his knowledge of the game and the way he reads situations is incredible. We are very happy to have signed one of the stalwarts of Indian football and we are hoping he does really well at Bharat FC,” he said.
Head coach Stuart Watkiss said that Gouramangi’s height coupled with his aerial ability were two things that attracted him towards the defender. “I have watched him with growing interest in the Super League and I am really glad he is with us. He has a habit of winning trophies, be it at international level or club level, and that is something that we want our lads to learn,” said Watkiss.
Gouramangi said that a chance to work in an exciting project like Bharat FC was the main reason behind his signing with the club. “I and Stanly have worked at the national team and I know how good he is. I have also been speaking regularly to Stuart and his vision for the team is really exciting. I am excited about my role here. I want to transfer my experience of having played in the I-League, help build the team well and win lots of football matches,” said Gouramangi.
