In the last few I League seasons, we have seen many big upsets. Which also includes fairytale stories of Minerva Punjab, Aizawl FC and Chennai City FC. Last season wasn’t a good one for the Warriors, Minerva Punjab. But they have made some interesting signings this Season. Are they about to write another script?
Minerva Punjab created buzz in the transfer market after they announced the signing of 2 Mumbai City FC players in Anwar Ali and Sanju Pradhan. 35 Years old anwar comes with vast experience in Indian Football. He has played for big clubs like East Bengal, JCT, Mohun Bagan etc. Previously. He has made 33 appearances for Indian National Team. Sanju Pradhan, the sikkimes winger also joins Anwar at Minerva Punjab. Sanju has previously played for clubs like Mumbai City FC, ATK, East Bengal etc. He is knows for his pace and versatility as he can play in various positions.
Minerva Punjab also signed former Delhi Dynamos Left Back Munmun Lugun, former Aizwal FC defender Lalrinchhana, former Jamshedpur FC fullback Raju Yumnam and former Bengaluru FC winger Beikhokhei Beingaichho.
Girik Khosla and Bali Gagandeep who made their mark when they played for Minerva Punjab when they clinched the I League title has returned back to the club after stints with Northeast United and Quess East Bengal respectively.
Youngsters Thoiba Singh and Mekan Winke Chote have extended their stay with the club. Local lad Prabhjot and forward Moinuddin Khan also stayed at the club.
Chhinga Veng star Immanuel Lalthazuala has also joined Minerva Punjab. Immanuel impressed everyone last season in the I League 2nd division. The right back from Mizoram scored 5 goals and 4 assists in the I League second division including a hattrick against NBP Rainbow.
Minerva’s foreign player department is also looking solid. They signed Dawda Ceesay from Churchill Brothers. Dawda played crucial role in Churchill’s midfield last season. The Gambian midfielder is known for his defense splitting through balls. Minerva also signed Dipanda Dicka. Dipenda has played for many clubs in India. He scored many goals for Kolkata Giants Mohun Bagan last couple of seasons.
Liberia’s National team captain Teah Dennis will lead the defense of The Warriors. He is one of the signing of Minerva Punjab this season. He has previously played for BYC FC, Al Ahli etc. Nepal International Kiran Chemjong will the guardian of Minerva Punjab’s goal this season. He was with them when they won I League previously.
Brazilian duo Sergio Barboza and Danilo Quipapa will add Samba Magic. Sergio plays as a forward and on the other hand, Danilo plays as a defender. The 6’1″ defender is a aerial threat in the set peices. Minerva Punjab also announced the signing of Orok Essien and Kuti who was on loan at Aryan for CFL.
Team will be coached by young pro licenses holder Yan Law. Surinder Singh is with the team as technical director. Minerva Punjab has won all of their matches in Punjab League. They played a friendly against Northeast United and shared the spoils with the Highlanders. They are set to play Bengaluru FC and FC Goa in upcoming days.
With such a strong squad and good preparation before the season, Minerva Punjab are certainly a titile contenders.