I-League: Kiran Chemjong extends stay at Punjab; Sairuat Kima to Sudeva

The latter was part of former ISL champions Bengaluru FC last season.

With Indian Super League (ISL) clubs nearly done with their transfer business, it is the I-League clubs who are looking to strengthen their teams at the eleventh hour for the upcoming season. Round Glass Punjab FC have already built a formidable side by roping in English head coach Curtis Fleming and have also retained their Nepalese goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong, a source close to the developments has informed Khel Now.

The Nepal international goalkeeper guided Minerva Punjab to their maiden I-League title in the 2017-18 season. Chemjong then returned to Punjab last season and produced some great saves.

His presence between the sticks provides assurance to the defence and with that, he also brings in a lot of international experience and has the ability to marshal the defenders to keep their shape intact. Therefore, signing an extension for another season was like a no brainer for both the parties and fans will again witness the 30-year-old standing in between the sticks for RoundGlass Punjab FC next season.

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On the other hand, I-League debutants Sudeva FC have roped in talented centre-back Sairuat Kima, Khel Now understands.

The former Bengaluru FC centre-back has a lot of experience at the big stage despite his young age. Moreover, Kima has featured in the AFC Cup last season for the Blues. Although, it was a match to forget but the youngster would have gained a lot of experience from playing at the continental level. He has previously had stints in the Indian Super League and I-League with Jamshedpur FC and DSK Shivajians respectively.

Sairuat Kima started his career back in Mizoram for Chanmari and then joined the fabled DSK Shivajians Academy in Pune. He learnt the ropes there and was soon promoted to their senior team. He was then picked by Jamshedpur FC in the ISL draft ahead of the 2017-18 season. However, after not playing a single game, he joined Bengaluru FC. Here also, he was mostly part of their B team and even featured in the 2nd Division League. He made his debut for the Blues in 2018-19 season against his former side in a 1-5 loss.

Kima is known for his agility and his aerial prowess which makes him a very solid defender. His physical stature also makes him a threat during set-pieces. Along with him, Sudeva have already roped in players like Kean Lewis, Pintu Mahata, Akashdeep Singh, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Manvir Singh (Jr) among others.