Defender Gouramangi Singh has been roped in by new I-league team, Bharat FC to firm up its squad for the 2015 season which will kick off next month.
Bharat FC, which will compete in its inaugural I-League season starting on January 17, snapped up Gouramangi from Chennaiyin FC on a season-long contract.
“I and Stanly have worked at the national team and I know how good he is. I have also been speaking regularly to Stuart and his vision for the team is really exciting. I am excited about my role here,” said Gouramangi, who joined the Kalyani group-owned team during its pre-season training camp at the BharatiVidyapeeth football ground on Tuesday.
“I want to transfer my experience of having played in the I-League, help build the team well and win lots of football matches,” he added.
The 28-year-old, who was a India regular before Wim Koevermans became India coach, comes to Bharat FC on the back of an impressive showing in the Indian Super League. The centre-back made 11 appearances for Chennaiyin FC, driving them to the semifinals of the competition.
One of the most accomplished players in India, Gouramangi who is a graduate of the Tata Football Academy, began his professional football career with Dempo SC in the 2004-2005 season making 40 appearances and scoring one goal. He then switched to Mahindra United in the 2005-2006 season, again logging 40 appearances.
The next season, he moved back to Goa, plying his trade with Sporting Clube de Goa. From 2007 till 2012, Gouramangi was part of a highly successful Churchill Brothers SC unit, winning the I-League with them in 2008-2009. Stints at United SC and Rangdajied United FC followed before he switched to Chennaiyin FC.
With 71 caps for India, Gouramangi is one of the most experienced players in the I-League. He is a highly decorated international for India having won the SAFF Cup in 2005 and 2011. He was also part of the Indian team in their winning run at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and has lifted the Nehru Cup on three occasions, 2007, 2009 and 2012.
