Exclusive: Gokulam Kerala set to add more firepower, sign Australian striker Cardozo

The Australian is the southerners' third signing this January.

After the inclusion of Ugandan Mudde Musa and Henry Kisekka into the squad, I-League outfit Gokulam Kerala have now decided to bring in Australian attacker, Richard Carlos Cardozo, also known as Richie, until the end of the season, sources close to the developments have told Khel Now.

The 31-year-old Richie has experience plying his trade in various leagues, all across Asia. A product of the Football New South Wales National Training Centre setup, Richie is a prolific goalscorer.

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He primarily plies his trade as a striker, but can also play the #10 role when wanted. He will join Henry in attack and both will aim to provide the team the firepower they need to turn things around. 

He started his senior career, playing for Sydney Olympic FC, when he was 17. After his stint there, he has played for several clubs in Asia, and has a lot of know-how to share. He has also featured for the Australian U-17 team.

It is learnt that the club player had good negotiations, and both parties have agreed the deal in principle and it's all about completing the paperwork now, Khel Now understands. Meanwhile, they also had negotiated with few other players, but turned their attention to this Australian star. He is brought under the Asian quota.

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With both the deals of Henry Kisekka and Richard Cardozo done Gokulam Kerala has filled the void left by the departures of Odafa Okolie and Kamo Bayi. With seven games still left for them in the league, it's not an insurmountable task to finish the league in the top four. With Super Cup almost confirmed to take place this year, the team will be vying to end on a high.

Gokulam Kerala are now placed 9th in the table and have a relegation threat. They will play NEROCA FC in their next encounter.