Mohun Bagan have secured the services of former Afghanistan skipper Haroon Amiri. The Federation Cup Champions in an attempt to strengthen their squad for the ongoing Calcutta Football League have secured the 26-year old’s signature.
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According to sources, Haroon joined the club for training and will undergo a medical today in order to be fit for Mohun Bagan’s next game on Thursday. Doctors and trainers have been monitoring his fitness condition and will be hoping the defensive midfielder is fit enough to play.
Amiri was a part of DSK Shivajians last season, a Pune-based I-league outfit. He has abundant experience of playing in India after stints at Mumbai FC, Dempo SC and FC Goa.
Amiri began his career at Shoa FC, following which he moved to Kabul Bank in 2007. After 4 years at the club, he decided on a move to India and signed for Mumbai FC for whom he made well over 50 appearances. After impressing in the 2012/13 I-League, he was named the fans’ player of the season.
Despite his fine performances, his contract at Mumbai was not renewed and he moved to another I-League team, Dempo in 2014. He scored against Rangdajied United on his debut for the club. Haroon signed an extension at the end of the season but then decided to move to Pune’s DSK Shivajians in early 2016.
Haroon Amiri has had some international experience as well. He has made 55 appearances for Afghanistan and also had a short stint as captain in the SAFF Championship.
The 26-year old would add a solid defensive presence to the Mohun Bagan outfit. A hard but smart tackler, he is often used in the centre of defence but can also deputise as a defensive midfielder. Not the tallest of players, Haroon stands at 5’ 9” and could be a liability from set pieces.
Mohun Bagan have won their first three Calcutta Football League matches and occupy the second spot. East Bengal who have won the league 6 times in a row and are currently sporting a perfect record with 4 wins from 4 games and sit pretty at the top of the table.
The Mariners next play second from bottom Bhawanipore F. C. on 18th August, 2016.
