Denechandra Meitei signs for RoundGlass Punjab

The left-back won the Hero Super Cup with Odisha FC last season.

I-League winner RoundGlass Punjab FC have begun their preparations to get first division football ready ahead of the 2023-24 season. They are the first club to be promoted to the Indian Super League (ISL) from the I-League by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

RoundGlass Punjab FC have acquired the services of Manipuri left-back Denechandra Meitei on a two-year deal, Khel Now can confirm. The defender joins the ISL debutants after completing a loan stint with Odisha FC.

“RoundGlass Punjab have signed defender Denechandra Meitei on a two-year deal from Kerala Blasters,” a source close to developments informed Khel Now.

About the player

The defender started his career at the grassroots level in Manipur and went on to represent his district team as well Manipur at the national level. He then joined Mohun Bagan’s academy in 2008 before moving to the Sambhalpur Academy in Odisha. 

However, he dropped out of both the academies and joined Pune FC’s youth setup in 2011 and won the U-19 I-League twice with them. He came up through the ranks and went on to make his professional debut with Pune in 2013 before joining Ozone FC.

Meitei joined Goan side Churchill Brothers in the 2017-18 season and went on to play 15 games for them. The following season he signed for another I-League side NEROCA FC and played four games for them.

In 2019-20, Denechandra Meitei was signed by TRAU FC where he played 12 games before departing to play in the top flight for Kerala Blasters. He was roped in by the Blasters ahead of the 2020-21 season on a multi-year deal.

He has a runners-up medal to his name from the 2021-22 season before making a loan switch to Odisha FC the following term. He played 19 games for the Kalinga Warriors across all competitions and even won the Hero Super Cup in the process.

The 29-year-old is a great addition to RoundGlass Punjab FC’s roster given his ability to play across multiple positions. A left-back by trade, he can also pitch in as a makeshift centre-back, defensive midfielder, and even a right-back if required.