I-League 2024-25: All five foreigners of Shillong Lajong FC

The Shillong-based team registered five foreigners this season, and all are fit to play

Shillong Lajong FC, the Meghalaya-based outfit, are set to begin their I-League 2024-25 journey on the 24th of November, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) against Churchill Brothers at 7 PM. The Shillong-based team has returned to the second division of the Indian professional club competition and is playing in its second I-League season.

The club played in the I-League 2 in the 2022–23 season, and after finishing second in the league, they returned to the I-League. Last season, the club played 24 matches, winning eight, losing nine, and drawing eight games. With 31 points, they finished eighth in the league table.

Jose Havia, the Spanish gaffer, made his return to the club this summer and had an impressive Durand Cup campaign.

They defeated the ISL outfit East Bengal FC in the quarterfinals and advanced to the semifinals for the first time. In the group stage, the club played a 1-1 draw against the reserve side of FC Goa and defeated Tribhuvan Army and Rangdajied United FC.

Five foreigners are playing for Shillong Lajong FC. Here, let us discuss them.

Daniel Gonçalves (Centre Back)

The Brazilian centre-back joined the club last season from Falcon FC. The defender made his debut for the club against Mohammedan SC, and from then on, he started every game for Shillong Lajong FC in the I-League and Kalinga Super Cup.

The centre-back scored three goals and provided one assist. He netted against Gokulam Kerala FC and scored two goals against Rajasthan United FC in two legs. This season, he participated in three games in the Durand Cup for his club.

Renan Paulino De Souza (Midfielder)

In September last season, Renan Paulino De Souza joined SLFC on a free transfer from FK Banga Gargždai, a Colombian club that played in the A Lyga.

Last I-League season, he scored six goals in 21 appearances for the club and one goal in the Kalinga Super Cup against Kerala Blasters FC. The Brazilian did not play in the Durand Cup this year.

Imanol Arana Sadaba (Midfielder)

Imanol Arana Sadaba is the only foreigner in the club besides the Brazilians. The Spanish midfielder signed with the club this year from Namdhari FC.

For the I-League outfit, he played 22 games, scored four goals, and assisted in six goals. This will be the Spaniard’s second I-League season, and the club is expecting a creative role from the player.

Marcos Rudwere Genar E Silva (Forward)

Marcos Rudwere joined Shillong Lajong FC in the winter transfer window from FC Slovan Hlohovec. Last season, the 24-year-old Brazilian centre-forward debuted against Inter Kashi and became a regular in the team. In 13 appearances in the I-League, Marcos scored one goal against TRAU FC.

The player had an impressive Durand Cup campaign. He scored against the reserve side of FC Goa, and that single goal helped the club advance to the quarterfinals. Against East Bengal FC in the quarterfinals, he first gave his club the lead and later set up teammate Figo Syndai in a pivotal moment of the match, helping the team secure their place in the semifinals of the Durand Cup 2024.

Douglas Rosa Tardin (Forward)

This year, in the winter transfer window, Douglas Rosa Tardin signed with Shillong Lajong FC on a free transfer from Khatoco Khanh Hoa FC, a Vietnamese club. He played only five matches but made an impact on the pitch, netting three goals and assisting in two goals across all I-League and Kalinga Super Cup games.

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