Iranian defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi joins Chenniaiyin FC

The 31-year-old will be the Asian signing for the Marina Machans in the upcoming season.

Chennaiyin FC have announced the signing of Vafa Hakhamaneshi. The Iranian defender joins as the club’s Asian signing ahead of the upcoming season.

The 6’6 defender’s latest stint was with Thai club, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC, where he made three appearances in the AFC Champions League.

Hakhamaneshi has turned out for several clubs in the Persian Gulf Pro League, which is the first-tier league in Iran. He made 59 appearances, turning out for clubs such as Naft Tehran, Tractor FC and Sanat Naft. The Iranian even won the Persian Gulf Pro League with Foolad FC in 2013-14.

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“Vafa Hakhamaneshi is a towering addition to our squad. Having played in the Iranian first-tier league and the AFC Champions League, he will be aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner, Vita Dani.

The seasoned center back has also played 60 games in the Iranian second tier for Khooneh Be Khooneh and Fajr Sepasi.

“I feel proud to join the team to represent Chennai. I will fight with all my might for the pride of the city and the people,” Hakhamaneshi said after joining the Marina Machans.

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Chennaiyin FC's preparations for ISL 2022-23

The Marina Machans have been quite busy in the transfer market with multiple new signings and exits. Chennaiyin FC have signed top young talents like Vincy Barretto, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Monotosh Chakladar, Jiteshwor Singh, Sourav Das, Gurmukh Singh, Akash Sangwan and Sajal Bag.

The club have also roped in the veteran Mohammed Rafique for the upcoming season. Senegalese defender Fallou Diagne was their first foreign signing of the season.

While their been new arrivals, Chennaiyin FC released all six of their foreigners from last season. Only Rafael Crivellaro, who missed the last season, has been retained. Domestically, the club have bid adieu to goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Germanpreet Singh, Davinder Singh and Deepak Devrani.

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