Minerva Punjab rope in 2nd Division I-League top scorer Robert De Souza

The Brazilian have prior experience of playing in India for Ozone FC Bengaluru.

Ahead of the next season of the I-League, champions Minerva Punjab FC have signed former Ozone FC striker Robert De Souza. The 27-year-old attacker was also the top scorer of the 2nd Division I-League last season, scoring 10 goals in the process.

“I’m very happy to sign for this club. Minerva is a good club, The big team in India. We’ll be playing a lot of games this season which will play a vital role in my career," Robert said.

Minerva Punjab, who had let go of their most trusted attacking options Chenco Gyletshen and Bali Gagandeep to Bengaluru FC and East Bengal respectively earlier in the year have also added former Hindustan FC attacker Dilliram Sanyasi few days ago and Japanese forward Yu Kuboki earlier in the year.

A versatile striker, Robert can also ply his trade in the left wing and his eye for the goal was admired by many in the last season. The Brazilian attacker also offers pace and a decent dribbling skill which will help Minerva Punjab against other league heavyweights such as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the upcoming season.

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Along with Robert, the Punjab based side have also roped in Ozone's C.S. Sabeeth, who partnered with Robert De Souza last season in the second top flight of Indian football. The duo, who scored 19 goals together, will be an exciting watch for the Warriors' fans in the coming season.

Speaking about his time in the 2nd Divison I-League, Robert said, "Last season I scored many goals and I hope to score as many goals this season as well. It is a level up not just in terms of in-squad competition but the league as well. I would like to keep my good form going and score as many goals as possible.”