Official: Kerala Blasters sign Zimbabwean defender Costa Nhamoinesu

The centre back will look to add stability to the southerners' backline in the forthcoming season.

Kerala Blasters has announced the signing of Zimbabwean defender Costa Nhamoinesu for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The Harare native started his senior footballing career with the Zimbabwean side AmaZulu before jumping ship to Masvingo United. He then moved to Poland on loan in 2007 with KS Wisla Ustronianka, after a season in the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League.

In 2008, Costa spent the next two seasons on loan with the Polish side Zaglebie Lubin and his strong performances earned him a permanent deal with the club. While at Lubin, he became the most highly rated centre backs in the Polish League with 136 appearances and five goals for the club. In 2013, Costa moved to the Czech Republic side Sparta Prague seeking an exit from Poland.

In his seven seasons at the club, the imposing defender made over 200 appearances and also captained his side during the club’s Europa League and UEFA Champions League campaigns over the years. He even showcased his strength in the air as he scored nine times over the same period.

“Kerala Blasters has a fantastic plan for the season. I’m intrigued and fascinated to meet my new teammates, learn new cultures and do my best to help the club achieve their goals. I’m also very impressed by the vibe that is presented by the fans," the defender said after signing for Kerala Blasters.

"I strongly believe that a club with such a vibrant, strong, energetic and passionate fanbase deserves great performances on the pitch! I would like to thank the management for believing in me and my agent for familiarizing me with the culture around the club. Looking forward to learn more about Kerala and the club. One love, YELLOW ARMY!” he added.

Costa Nhamoinesu will join the Kerala Blasters squad as an experienced centre back and will look to lead the back line and impart his knowledge to the young Indian defenders over the course of the season. He is strong in the air and his strength makes him a solid presence inside the box at both ends.

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