FC Goa sign ex-Kerala Blasters winger Nongdamba Naorem

The player featured in just three games for the Yellow Army in ISL 2020-21.

FC Goa can confirm they have completed the signing of young winger Nongdamba Naorem on a free transfer.

The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract after passing medical and agreeing personal terms. 

Immediately after inking the deal, Naorem told FC Goa's official website: “Today is a big day. I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in India. It’s a club that I feel is the best fit for me and is one that I have admired for a long time.

“I am now looking forward to understanding what the coach demands from me and script a new chapter in my life.”

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FC Goa’s Director of Football Ravi Puskur was also delighted at having completed formalities. He said, “We’re delighted to secure the services of Nongdamba Naorem.  He’s a highly technical player and has the directness needed in one on one situations for a player in his position. 

“He caught our eye with his performances for Mohun Bagan in the I-League in the 19/20 season and was unlucky to have his season curtailed by injury last year. We feel that he can develop into a player who fits very well into our system and can become a differential player with a real emphasis on providing the end product.”

Naorem moves to Goa after two seasons with Kerala Blasters – the first of which he spent out on loan with Mohun Bagan, helping them to the I-League title in 2020 alongside fellow Gaur Alexander Romario Jesuraj. That season saw him bag 2 goals and 5 assists in 16 games for the Mariners. 

Last season saw him play 3 games in the ISL in the colours of Kerala before an unfortunate injury brought down the curtains to his campaign earlier than expected.

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Hailing from Wabagai in Manipur, Nongdamba Naorem came through the ranks at the Minerva Punjab Academy before first shooting to fame first with some eye-catching performances for the Indian national U17 team in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017.

He has since then gone on to play for the Indian Arrows in the I-League before making the switch to Kerala. His sole campaign in the I-League competition will be remembered for a breathtaking solo goal – which saw the nimble-footed winger cut in from the left before dribbling and willing past 5 Shillong Lajong defenders before slotting the ball past the keeper.

He will be wearing the number 17 shirt at FC Goa.

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