ISL: Odisha FC rope in Hendry Antonay and Saurabh Meher

Bhubaneswar, June 5 (IANS) Odisha FC on Friday announced the signing of two young defenders Hendry Antonay and Saurabh Meher ahead of the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Both Hendry and Saurabh represented the Indian Arrows in the previous season of the I-League and were also a part of Chennaiyin FC earlier in their careers.

The 20-year-old right-back Hendry had represented the India U-17 side during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup while centre-back Saurabh had also played for India in the age-group competitions.

Welcoming the youngsters to the club, President Rohan Sharma said: “I feel extremely lucky to have Hendry and Saurabh join the club today. Both players have the utmost potential to become key members of our exciting defensive line. Saurabh has the versatility to play everywhere defensively which makes him a vital chess piece, and Hendry is probably one of the most exciting young Indian fullbacks right now. While they are quite young and coming into the team fresh, I have high expectations for both of them.”

After joining the Bhubaneswar-based club, Hendry said: “Several other clubs had shown interest in me but the investment in younger players that Odisha FC are putting in was the main factor that I put pen to paper. I am very much looking forward to meeting my new teammates and of course working hard to make an impact in the ISL.”

Saurabh added: “I am really happy to join Odisha FC and play in the Indian Super League next season. I hope to contribute to the team’s success. OFC have a good crowd support and I am quite excited to call Bhubaneswar my footballing home.”

Odisha FC finished sixth in the 10-team ISL points table last season, missing out on a play-offs berth. ATK emerged champions.

–IANS

dm/bbh