ISL: Sankarlal Chakraborty joins Punjab FC as assistant coach

Chakraborty had coached Mohun Bagan to 2018 Calcutta Football League triumph

AFC Pro license holding coach Sankarlal Chakraborty joins ISL debutant Punjab FC  in the role of Indian Assistant coach, Khel Now can confirm.

"Punjab FC sealed the transfer on the deadline day by paying an undisclosed transfer fee to FC Bengaluru United for obtaining the service of Sankarlal Chakraborty", a source close to the development informed Khel Now. 

The Indian tactician has already landed at the team base and joined the coaching department led by Staikos Vergetis.

About Sankarlal Chakraborty

Born on December 12, 1975, in Kolkata, West Bengal, Sankarlal Chakraborty had an exemplary playing career before he upgraded himself as a football coach. He’s a TATA football academy graduate, where he perfected his game as a midfielder. He spent his senior career playing for two Kolkata giants – Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

He was forced to retire from the game after suffering a major injury during his playing days. Although he tried to register a comeback after recovering, he couldn’t deliver at his best. Chakraborty ended his playing career in the 2002-03 season while playing for East Bengal.

Sankarlal Chakraborty has had a prolific career as a coach too. He has the experience of coaching one of the biggest club of this country, Mohun Bagan. Where, he at first worked as an assitant and was later promoted to the role of a head coach in 2018. He also managed the Mariners in Calcutta Football League 2018, and clinched it for the club after a long gap.

He also worked as a head coach for Bhawanipore FC, Sudeva Delhi and Bengaluru United.

Punjab FC’s preparations

After winning the I-League 2022-23, Punjab FC became the first Indian club to achieve promotion into the top tier of Indian football – the Indian Super League. Their head coach Staikos Vergetis is doing a commendable job at the helm preparing for their very first ISL season.

Speaking of players, Punjab FC has announced the signing of four exciting talents – midfielders Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Leon Augustine, and Prasanth K. Mohan, and defender Melroy Assisi. Defender Nikhil Prabhu joined Punjab FC after making his Indian Super League debut last season with Odisha FC and later moved to FC Goa for the second half of the season. He will be joined by another defender, Tejas Krishna, who was a key figure in the Kerala Blasters reserves.