Denechandra Meitei pens new contract at Kerala Blasters

The left-back clocked 500 minutes on the pitch for the Yellow Army in ISL 2020-21

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters have handed a brand-new contract to Denechandra Meitei, Khel Now can confirm. The left-back was an integral part of the KBFC squad in the 2020-21 season of the league.

"Denechandra Meitei has signed a new contract with Kerala Blasters," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. Meitei commenced his professional career at Pune FC, but failed to make it into the first-team. He then joined Churchill Brothers in 2017 and enjoyed what was a breakthrough season in the I-League. He made 15 appearances for the Red Machines in that campaign, before shifting base to NEROCA FC.

However, the switch to NEROCA did not work out well for Meitei. After just four I-League appearances, the 26-year-old signed for their arch-rivals TRAU FC ahead of the 2019-20 season. He impressed fans with his performances in I-League 2019-20, plying his trade for a relegation threatened side. Eventually, the season got called off due to COVID-19 and Kerala Blasters snapped him up, initially on a season-long deal.

Meitei at Kerala Blasters

The club brought Denechandra Meitei in as a direct cover for Jessel Carneiro, who was the first-choice in the left-back position. The Manipuri defender ended up doing justice to his role, as he clocked 500 minutes on the pitch across six matches in ISL 2020-21.

Meitei attempted an average of 35.67 passes per game while maintaining an accuracy of 63.55% throughout. Additionally, he registered 2.83 tackles and 3.17 interceptions per game, which are better than Carneiro's average numbers in the season. He also made 2.5 clearances and 1.17 blocks per match in ISL 2020-21.

Latest update (updated at 5:00 pm, May 6)

Kerala Blasters have announced Denechandra Meitei's extension officially. The left-back put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain with the club till the end of the 2023-24 season.

"I had a very good experience with KBFC in my first season despite the difficult conditions. I am sure we will have a much-improved season next year and I am very happy to have extended my contract with the club. Looking forward to meeting the great fan base of the club soon! Stay safe at home,” said Meitei after signing the new contract.

‘Denechandra is physically strong, a solid player for ISL. He needs to improve some angles in his game but he showed a lot of potential last season. I want him to keep wishing to improve and we are here to support him through his journey,” said Karolis Skinkys the Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters.

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