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The 2015 edition of the ISL was one of the most exciting leagues so far. Specially in the finals, as the drama unfolded in front of the crowds present at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, where the home team FC Goa were leading 2-1 till the 90th minute, but an own goal by the FC Goa keeper Kattimani and a Steven Mendoza goal moments later ensured that the Super Machans won their first Indian Super League title in a dramatic manner. Chennaiyin FC finished third in the league stages but eventually went on to lift the coveted trophy.
It was a season to remember for Chennaiyin in all aspects, as they also hosted the opening ceremony and went on to lift the title as well.
In this article we take a look at the star players of Chennaiyin from the 2015 season and where they are now.
Goalkeeper
Apuola Edima Bete Edel
The Armenian goalkeeper, who is also better known as Edel Bete is a two time ISL winner once with ATK in the inaugural edition and then again with Chennaiyin in the 2015 edition. He was also termed as a lucky charm by many, as the teams he represented in the first two editions went on the win the league.
His heroics during the 2015 edition played a big part in ensuring Chennaiyin qualified for the knock out phases and then eventually won the league.
After the 2015 season he went on the play for FC Pune City in the 2016 ISL but failed to win the title for the Stallions. The former PSG shot stopper is currently a free agent and is without a club for the 2017-18 season.
Defenders
Mehrajuddin Wadoo
The hard tackling right back from Kashmir is a very well known face in Indian Football having been around for some 15 years now. Wadoo was adjudged as the best right back of the ISL 2015 edition and played a crucial role in ensuring Chennaiyin become champions. He was one of the few players who started every game for the Chennai based-side, and even managed to score two crucial goals.
After Chennaiyin FC, where he played in the 2016 edition as well, Wadoo played for Sporting Clube de Goa in the I-League and was picked up by Mumbai City FC for the 2017 edition of the ISL.
Mailson Alves
The tall no-nonsense defender from Brazil was the heart of the Chennaiyin defence in the 2015 edition. His defending capabilities earned him a lot praise from Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi, a renowned defender himself.
After the 2015 ISL, Mailson played for the Highlanders (NorthEast United FC) in the 2016 edition, after which he moved to Brazilian side Volta Redona for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.
This season Mailson will again be seen playing for Chennaiyin FC .
Bernard Mendy
Bernard Mendy is a familiar face for those following the ISL, with his iconic hair style and physique, he was one player who always stood out from the rest. A pure fan favourite, he was one player who loved the club and the club loved him dearly. He was picked up by Chennaiyin in the inaugural ISL international player draft and the Frenchmen became an instant hit for the team from south India. He has played in all three season for Chennaiyin FC and also has played in the I-League for Kolkata giants East Bengal. He also scored in his debut for East Bengal against Aizawl FC.
Bernad Mendy will be missed in the 2017 edition of the I-League as he is now retired.
Dhanachandra Singh
This Manipuri left back was one of the best left backs in the country, but an injury before the 2016 ISL season ruled him out of action for almost a year. Dhanachandra has been an integral part of the Chennai set up right from the onset as he has been with the Super Machans from the beginning of the Hero ISL and played 14 games in the 2015 edition and also scored a brilliant goal during the 2015 ISL. His performance for the Chennai based side also earned him a national team call up and he played in the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Oman in Bengaluru as a centre back.
After missing the ISL last season due to injury, Dhanachandra is back in the team he belongs and will be seen in action for Chennaiyin again this season.
Midfielders
Thoi Singh
Thoi Singh created a stir before the ISL 2015 during the player auctions, by being sold for a whooping Rs86 lakhs and becoming the third most expensive player in the ISL auction behind Sunil Chetri and Eugenson Lyngdoh.
Thoi played nearly all games for Chennaiyin in the 2015 edition and his role was so important that his coach said that Thoi was the lungs of the team and that he carried a dual oxygen cylinder with him, given the amount of effort and space he covered during a game.
After the 2015 edition, Thoi again played for Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 edition in between were two stints with Bengaluru FC and Mumbai FC in the I-League.
This season Thoi will again be seen playing for Chennaiyin FC, and the owners Abhishek Bacchan and Vita Dani are huge fans of this Manipuri Midfielder.
Manuele Blasi
The former Juventus and AS Roma midfielder was hand picked by Marco Materazzi to marshal the Channaiyin FC midfield, and the Italian did it with style. Known for his hard tackling and destructive style of play, Blasi was just perfect for Materazzi's brand of football in which he loved breaking down opposition attacks in the midfield, and with Blasi, Thoi, and Khabra, he couldn't have asked for a better trio to carry out his instructions in the ISL.
After his stint in the 2015 ISL, Blasi went on to play for SS Ischia Isolaverde in the Serie D in Italy, and later went on to retire from football.
Harmanjot Singh Khabra
Harmanjot Singh Khabra is one of the most bankable players in Indian football. Nearly every coach he has played for, has praised this Amritsar-born midfielder and his versatility is one thing which every coach loves.
Khabra himself says that he can even play as a goalkeeper if the coach wants him to. He is one of the few players in Indian football to have practical playing experience in nearly all outfield positions on the pitch.
An East Bengal legend, having won 7 CFL titles and 3 Federation Cups with the Red and Gold brigade, the Punjabi has built up an impressive repertoire for himself. He played for Chennaiyin FC right from the start of the Hero ISL as a loanee from East Bengal. After shifting his allegiance to the Bengaluru FC during last season’s I-League, Khabra will be playing for Bengaluru FC in this season's ISL and he is someone who will be dearly missed by the fans of Chennaiyin FC.
Forwards
Jeje Lalpekhlua
Jeje is someone who needs little introduction in Indian football. The Mizo sniper has been on a hot run of form right from the 2015 ISL edition and has scored numerous goals for club and country since then. He also had an eight-games goal-scoring run for the Indian national team.
Jeje is one of the players retained by Chennaiyin FC and will be seen in action for Chennai again. He has also signed a long term contract with the Tamil Nadu-based franchise.
Stiven Mendoza
The Colombian striker, who lit the ISL on fire, was a treat to watch for everyone. This young Colombian striker captivated everyone with his dazzling speed, skill, and helped Chennaiyin FC win the ISL by scoring the all-important wining goal.
The winner of 2015 edition's Golden Boot award, he is one of the few players who joined Chennai as a free agent but was signed by Brazilian big wigs Corinthinias after his impressive performance in the ISL. Stiven also went on to have a loan spell at New York City FC alongside players like David Villa and Frank Lampard.
He played for Chennai in the first two editions of the ISL and is currently playing for Brazilian side EC Bahia.
Bruno Pellisari
This young Brazilian wizard was a revelation during the second season of the ISL, having one of the highest number of Assists during the tournament, Pellisari was the main creator of attacks for Chennaiyin. He was so important for Marco’s side that Materazzi benched Elano, the marquee player, to play Bruno during the 2015 season.
A set piece specialist, Bruno Pellisari went on to play an important role for Delhi Dynamos too in the 2016 ISL. At the moment, he is contracted with a Brazilian club named Clube Atlético Votuporanguense. Fans of the ISL will surely miss this dead ball specialist.
