ISL 2017/18: Chennaiyin FC sign seven AIFF Elite Academy graduates, launch 'B' team

Chennaiyin FC have launched their ‘B’ team, which will participate in the I-League 2nd Division and other national tournaments. The ‘B’ team will make its debut in the Don Bosco – Fr. McFerran Trophy All India Football Tournament at Don Bosco Matriculation School, Red Hills on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Chennaiyin also announced the signing of seven AIFF Elite Academy graduates – midfielder Saurabh Meher, defender Ajin Tom, defender Mohammed Sarif Khan, winger Joysana Singh, forward Aman Chetri, defender Aimol Chongompipa Reamsochung and defender Hendry Antonay, who was part of India’s 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup squad.

Earlier in December, Sportskeeda had reported that Chetri had signed with the ISL team's reserve side.

In addition to the seven new boys who are all U-18 players, the ‘B’ team comprises local talents from Tamil Nadu as well as other players scouted by Chennaiyin from all across the country.

The launch of the ‘B’ team marks another important milestone in the club’s history. The team will fundamentally be a link between the youth teams and the senior squad. This move is also aimed at facilitating the transition of players to the senior team and ensuring their development continues through exposure in a competitive environment. It will serve as a platform for the youngsters to get consistent game time.

Headed by Syed Sabir Pasha, the CFC Technical Director for Youth Development and First Team Assistant Coach, the ‘B’ team forms an integral part of the club’s pyramid beneath the senior squad following the launch of the three youth teams – U-13, U15 and U-18 – last year.