Reigning Indian Super League champion Chennaiyin FC announced on Thursday that 23-year-old left-back Ngasepam Tondonba Singh has agreed a pre-contract terms with the club, set to make the move from I-League outfit NEROCA FC on a free transfer when the summer transfer window officially opens in June.
Tondonba played a key role for the Manipuri side that finished second in its inaugural I-League campaign, playing in 17 of the 18 league matches, with two assists to his name. He will pen a two-year contract with the two-time ISL champion.
This will be Tondonba’s first stint outside Manipur and Imphal specifically, having played for NEROCA’s youth teams since the age of 11, making his debut for the senior team in the Manipur State League at 16.
“I’m feeling really good on signing for Chennaiyin FC. I’m looking forward to learning and becoming a better player under the coach (Gregory). I’m very grateful for this huge opportunity and I promise to work hard and prove myself at this level,” said an elated Tondonba.
Idolising Real Madrid left back Marcelo, Tondonba is naturally left-footed and has played at left back from the beginning. “I have always loved running, from a young age. And when I began playing football, I enjoyed overlapping a lot. Hence I became a left back,” he stated.
Head coach John Gregory hailed Tondonba’s signing as a step in the right direction, further strengthening the Chennaiyin backline that was key to last season’s success.
“I’ve always believed in healthy competition for places in the eleven and Tondonba is a welcome addition in that regard. I have been told he is a solid defender with a very gifted left foot and great ability to overlap. He looks to be a player with immense potential as has been proved by his performances for NEROCA last season,” said Gregory.
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