FC Pune City on Wednesday announced the signing of home-grown talents in defenders Narayan Das and Augustin Fernandes for the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Left back Das had previously plied his trade with Pailan Arrows, Dempo, FC Goa and East Bengal. In 2011, he made his India under-19 debut followed by U-23 debut, the next year.
In 2013, the 22-year-old graduated to make his senior national debut against Nepal and has since been a regular member with the Indian team.
Goa-born Fernandes had played in his state since the beginning of his professional career. Starting his youth career with SESA, the centre back was drafted by Salgaocar FC in 2011.
In his debut season, he helped the Goan outfit win 2011 I League title and the Federation Cup. Since then he has been an integral part of club's success story.
He joined Atletico Kolkata in the 2015 edition of the ISL and in the same year also made his debut with the national team. He will now be joining his former coach, Antonio Habas at FC Pune City.
Announcing the appointments, FC Pune CEO Gaurav Modwel said, "Augustin is a good defender with great natural talent. His reading of the game and match situation is very good. Narayan is one of the finest left backs that we have in the country today."
"Narayan possesses good technical ability and can be dangerous going forward. Both are proven performers at the national and international level and I am sure they will form an integral part of our defence this year."
Habas on his part, felt both Das and Fernandes will add great value to the team formation.
"Narayan is a good left back and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have. Augustin is a very versatile defender who can adapt to different situations and can own any position in defence given to him," he said.
Excited at joining the new outfit, Das said: "FC Pune City has built a good team under the guidance of coach Habas and I look forward to making my contribution and helping the team win ISL this year".
Fernandes, who will join Arata Izumi and Habas said: "Its always a pleasure to work with coach Habas. I am thankful to FC Pune City and coach Habas for giving me this opportunity to take a new challenge."
Welcoming the duo, Pune City's co-owner and Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan said: "Both Narayan and Augustin's addition will strengthen our defence. With their skill and experience we will aim to be the best in the league."
--IANS
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