FC Goa sign former I-League-winner Makan Winkle Chothe

The 20-year-old appeared 14 times for Punjab FC last season and also registered a couple of goals.

FC Goa is delighted to announce that the club has completed the permanent signing of Makan Winkle Chothe on a free transfer. 

The 20-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal which will keep the lad from Manipur with the Gaurs till the summer of 2023.

Chothe was delighted at having completed his move to the Gaurs. Speaking to fcgoa.in after putting pen to paper, the winger said, “FC Goa is a club I have always admired. And to now be able to put on the jersey and take on the very best in the country, it’s a dream come true. 

“Just like people in Manipur, my home state, the people of Goa are football mad. And it’s a great honour to represent them. I have a long way to go and I hope I can make a real impact on the team in the years to come.”

Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football added, “We’re extremely excited at the prospect of Chothe joining us. We first saw him two years ago while he was playing the Hero Elite League and have kept an eye on him ever since. Despite only being 20, Chothe already has an I-League winners’ medal under his belt and also has experience of playing in Asian competition. 

“He’s one of the best players in the country at his age and with him choosing to sign for FC Goa is another indicator that players believe that FC Goa provides opportunities for younger players to make their mark. With time, we’re hopeful Chothe will develop into one of the best wingers in the country.”

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Coming through the ranks at the Minerva Academy in Punjab, the fleet-footed winger helped his team win the Hero Elite League in 2018/19. 

Earlier that year, the youngster was handed his I-League debut, when he came on as a last-minute substitute on 27th January 2018, in a game against Neroca FC. 

His first start in the I-League came in the 2018/19 season, when he got the nod to start against Real Kashmir on 31st October, 2018. He was entrusted with 5 appearances in their AFC Cup campaign as well that season. 

Within the space of a year, he had become an integral part of the squad. Last season saw him appear 14 times in the colours of Punjab FC with 2 strikes to his name.