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What's the Story?
Gokulam FC has roped in Haitian midfielder Fabien Vorbe for the remainder of the 2018-19 I-League season. The Malabarians announced the same via their official Twitter handle.
In case you don't know...
This is not Fabien Vorbe's first foray into the India waters. The Haitian played 20 matches for NEROCA last season, 18 in the I-League and 2 in the Hero Super Cup against Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC. His solid understanding with new Gokulam FC Technical Director Gift Raikhan, who managed NEROCA last season, might have paved the way for a smooth transfer.
Last season, Gokulam FC went on a giant-killing spree with the help of their winter transfer signings. They released five of their underperforming foreigners- Kamo Bayi, Lelo Mbele, Odafa Okolie, Francis Ambane, and Khalid Al Saleh - and brought in Hristijan Denkovski, Musa Mudde, Mahmood Al-Ajmi, and Henry Kisekka instead.
The influx of foreigners changed the complexion of the team totally. In the ensuing nine matches, they won five times and drew twice. Even title contenders East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and the eventual winners Minerva Punjab had to face the wrath of the Malabarians.
The heart of the matter
They could pull up a coup this season as well. Joel Sunday, Antonio German, Arthur Kouassi, Fabricio Ortiz, and Christian Sabah have already left the club owing to various reason, allowing the Malabarians to rope Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Leric Jr Joseph and Ghana's Charles Teiko Folley in the winter transfer window. Fabien Vorbe's addition will further bolster their strength.
Fabien Vorbe is primarily a defensive midfielder but can slot in the right midfield and attacking midfielder as well. Right now, the brunt of Gokulam FC midfield is on Guilherme Batata, Marcus Joseph, and Musa Mudde. However, none of them are defensive midfielder by trade. The 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cupper's inclusion will ensure that the opponents don't have a stroll in the centre of the park which they had enjoyed so far.
What's next?
As mentioned before, Gokulam FC spiced up the title race by upsetting the favourites in the business end of the tournament. If that is the case, then Real Kashmir, Mohun Bagan, NEROCA, and East Bengal have a nightmare coming.
