A look at Sporting Club Delhi's foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27
The Delhi-based club have strengthened their squad after a disappointing debut ISL season.
Sporting Club Delhi head into the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season with a significantly reshaped squad and renewed momentum.
After finishing 12th in their debut ISL campaign last season, the club used the summer transfer window to add experience and quality across the pitch while continuing its focus on young Indian talent.
In the 2025-26 ISL season, SC Delhi finished 12th, getting two wins, five draws and six defeats from 13 matches. The team managed to score 13 goals and conceded 17 getting a total of 11 points. The campaign contained some encouraging moments, including their first-ever ISL victory, which was a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters, and a four-match unbeaten run later during the season.
However, their limited goal output and six defeats ultimately kept them towards the bottom of the standings. They ended the campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Their run in the 2026 Durand Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, offered an early indication of what the revamped side could produce. All 5 of the foreign players have been signed ahead of the 2026-27 ISL season.
Here is a closer look at the five foreign players who form the club’s current overseas contingent:
SC Delhi’s Foreign Players in ISL 2026-27
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Nduka Junior
Nigerian defender Nduka Junior adds perhaps the most tactical versatility of the five foreigners. The 23-year-old is primarily a right-sided Centre-back and has experience playing in both a back four and a three-man defense.
His passing ability allows him to step into midfield when required. He can also cover at right-back, giving Tchórz another option when changing the team’s shape during a match. Nduka’s set-piece ability is another interesting part of his profile, having taken penalties and direct free-kicks during his time at Remo Stars.
For SC Delhi, his versatility could prove to be valuable across a long ISL campaign, allowing the coaching staff to alter the defensive structure without necessarily making a like-for-like substitution.
- Age: 23
- Country of Birth: Nigeria
- Position: CB/RB/DM
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: Remo Stars, Erbil SC, Al-Najaf FC
Duván Viáfara
Colombian defender Duván Viáfara brings different qualities to the squad, those being defensive stability and aerial strength. The 28-year-old is a naturally left-footed centre-back, and has built his game around physicality, aerial ability and composure in possession.
His experience across Colombia, Venezuela and the United States also give him a broader range of professional experience. During the Durand Cup, Viáfara was part of the defense that kept defending ISL Champions East Bengal scoreless for 90 minutes in the semi-final.
For SC Delhi, his ability to defend crosses, compete physically and remain composed while building from the back could make him an important component of the defensive structure.
- Age: 28
- Country of Birth: Colombia
- Position: CB
- Preferred Foot: Left
- Played for: Tigers FC, Inter Palmira
Also Read: A look at East Bengal’s foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27
Juan Peña
Colombian attacking midfielder Juan Peña gives SC Delhi another creative outlet behind and around the forwards. His profile is centred on taking defenders on, carrying the ball into dangerous areas and creating opportunities in the attacking third.
His Durand Cup performances showed that he is not simply a creator who waits for the ball either — he can also make direct contributions himself. Peña scored twice in the 7-1 victory over Indian Air Force, including a goal created through individual skill and a powerful finish.
He also operated in central midfield during SC Delhi’s semi-final against East Bengal, showing that he can contribute from a deeper position when required. His ability to move between midfield and the attacking line could give SC Delhi another way of breaking defensive blocks.
- Age: 27
- Country of Birth: Colombia
- Position: CAM/RM/LW
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Played for: Leones FC, Atletico FC
David Richard Ndayishimiye
Burundian midfielder David Richard Ndayishimiye offers SC Delhi a more dynamic presence in the middle of the pitch. The 22-year-old is capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder, but he is not a conventional holding player who simply sits in front of the defence.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, using close control and quick turns to escape opponents and progress possession. His ability to cover ground also allows him to contribute defensively, whether by pressing, intercepting passes or protecting the backline.
That versatility could make him particularly useful in Tomasz Tchórz’s high-intensity approach, giving SC Delhi a midfielder who can connect their defensive and attacking phases rather than remaining fixed in one role.
- Age: 22
- Country of Birth: Bukavu
- Position: CM/DM
- Played for: Sports Dynamic, Rayon Sports
Rodriguinho
Rodriguinho has already given SC Delhi a glimpse of his attacking potential during the Durand Cup. The Brazilian announced himself with five goals in the 7-0 win over Defenders FC, including a hat-trick inside the opening 13 minutes, before scoring again against Indian Air Force and FC Raengdai in the quarter-final.
His performances were characterised by sharp movements inside the penalty area, confidence in one-on-one situations and a willingness to attack defenders directly. Rather than simply functioning as a traditional target man, Rodriguinho can drop away from the Centre-backs or move into wider channels before attacking the box.
For SC Delhi, his biggest value could therefore be his ability to turn limited openings into goals and give the team a reliable player in the final third.
- Age: 25
- Country of Birth: Brazil
- Position: CF/SS/RW
- Preferred Foot: Left
- Played for: Ponte Preta, Ethnikos, CSA
When will the 2026-27 ISL season start?
The new Indian Super League (ISL) season will start on 10th October, 2026.
Who is the Head Coach of SC Delhi?
The Head Coach of SC Delhi is Tomasz Tchórz.
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