Kibu Vicuna to be appointed as the next Gaffer of KBFC

According to Khel Now, Kibu Vicuna, the current Mohun Bagan manager, is set join Kerala Blasters for the next season. After a disappointing season the management decided not to renew Eelco Schattorie's contract.

Kibu Vicuna

Kibu Vicuna had a successful season with the Mariners, winning the league with 4 games to spare. The merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan is likely to be completed at the end of this season. ATK announced that Antonio Habbbas will be taking charge of ATKMB. This decision paved the way for Kibu to explore other opportunities. KBFC had an interesting offer for the 48 year old Spaniard. According to reports, there is a mutual agreement between the parties. We expect the contract to be signed in the coming weeks.

Nobody expected KBFC to part ways with Eelco Schattorie, till last week. The appointment of the new sporting director is believed to be one of the major reasons behind the Duchman's unexpected departure. Eelco introduced a brand of football to KBFC which reallly impressed the fans. But he was not able to back it with results.

Eelco Schattorie

Blasters believe that Kibu Vicuna can rebuild the club.  Kibu has experience in Polish and Lithuanian top divisions. His recruitment has been spot on for the Mariners. Mohun Bagan has been a revelation this season in the Hero I - League. He promotes youth which is evident on Nongdamba Naorem's (the loanee from KBFC) performance for Mohan Bagan. KBFC has the youngest squad in the league. The fans will be hoping that Kibu Vicuna can bring the best out of those prodigies.

Kerala Blasters to add Nishu Kumar to their roster

Kerala Blasters are all set to sign 22 year old wing-back Nishu Kumar from Bengaluru FC. The young defender will be featuring alongside the likes of Sandesh Jhinghan and Jessel Carneiro,
Blasters really lacked solidity on the back, conceding too many goals. The departure of Mohammed Rakib to Mumbai City FC paved the way for Nishu Kumar to join the Men In Yellow.

The prime objective of Kerala Blasters in the transfer market  was bolstering their defensive line. They were able to procure the services of  young goalkeepers Albino Gomes and Prabshukhan Gill. Various young defensive reinforcements are signed by the club so far. Kerala Blasters are also eyeing  a move for veteran defender Tiri from Jamshedpur FC.

According to sources, Nishu Kumar signed a Bumper deal for 4 years earning more than 1 crore a year.

Kerala Blasters to appoint new Sporting Director

The Men in Yellow are all set to appoint Karolis Skinkys as their new sporting director....
The 30 year old Lithuanian has been a part of Lithuanian top flight side Suduva FC. There are rumors that Kerala Blasters will be taken over by new investors. This appointment can be considered as a part of that deal.
Blasters who had another season to forget will be looking to reshape their future. The new role in the club's hierarchy will enable Skinkys to oversee recruitment, Foreign and Indian. Kerala Blasters could not win any silverware so far, to fill the hearts of their passionate fans. Watch this on Youtube

Andre Schembri to retire after the ISL final

The Chennaiyin striker is ready to hang up his boots at the end of the season...

Andre Schembri, one of the greatest in Maltese Football history has announced his retirement recently. The forward has plied his trade in leagues like Bundesliga..
The 33 year old played 15 games for the Marina Machans, scored 5 goals and provided 2 assistss, so far this season.
He has played 397 club  games and scored 110 goals and assisted 39. Schembri has netted thrice for the Maltese national team in 94 appearances.

Andre Schembri on Twitter : 

"After 13 years dedicated to professional football, it is the right time to announce my retirement and focus on other aspects of the game. I am proud to have had such a fantastic journey across Europe & Asia. So excited to play the FINAL match of my career on Saturday.''

Chennaiyin will be hoping to give their legendary forward a worthy sent-off by winning the ISL trophy.

Albert Roca to bring in three young guns for Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC signed three young talents from Indian Arrows.

According to Goal.com, Rohit Danu, Akash Mishra and Lalbiakhlua Jongte are on their way to the City of Pearls. All three of them play for Indian Arrows in the I-League.

After a disappointing season in the ISL, Hyderabad are looking to build a stronger squad for the next season.  

Rohit Danu is 17 year old old striker from Uttarakhand. He has made 21 appearances for the AIFF developmental side and managed find the back of the net 4 times. He couldn't play at the start of the season due to an injury. He made his first appearance for the Arrows this season in the match against Real Kashmir FC.

Akash Mishra is a 19 year old Left-back from Uttar Pradhesh. He played every minute of all matches for Indian Arrows. Roca will be looking to bring more depth to the defense by signing the young prospect.

 Lalbiakhlua Jongte is 17 year old goalkeeper. He appeared for Indian Arrows in 9 games and managed to keep two cean sheets. Hyderabad goalkeepers couldn't deliver for the team. According to reports, Subrata Paul will be joining Hyderabad next season. The youngster will face tough competition from experienced custodians.  

5 Players to watch out for in FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC

The first leg ended on a disappointing note for FC Goa. They lost the game 4-1 to Chennaiyin in the away leg. The Gaurs go into the away leg with a 3 goal deficit. These are the players to watch out for in the second leg.

1. Anirudh Thapa

The young Indian Defensive Midfielder put on a great show in the first leg of the semifinal Play-offs. The Indian International won the Hero of the Match award for that stellar performance. He scored a goal and provided an assist for the South Indian giants. His involvement will be pivotal for Chennaiyin in the second leg.

2. Nerijus Valskis

Valskis has taken the League by storm . He is very much in the race for the Golden Boot, just one goal behind Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Marina Machans will be relying on Valskis's boots at Fathorda. The Lithuanian International has scored 13 goals and provided 6 assists in 18 games for the club so far.

3. Hugo Boumous 

Boumous is regarded as the best player of the season so far. The French attacking midfielder has scored 11 goals  and provided 9 assists for The Gaurs this season. He missed  he first leg of the Semi's due to injury on his shoulder. But, reports suggests that he has resumed training and will be available for selection for the game against Chennaiyin.

4. Rafael Crivellaro

Crivellaro was the driving force behind Chennaiyin's surprise entry in to the Play-Offs. The Brazilian attacking midfielder's performance was instrumental for the Men in Blue. He was Owen Coyle's trusted general on the pitch. He has scored 7 goals and provided as much assists for Chennai. Coyle and the fans will be hoping for another solid performance from the 31 year old.

5.Brandon Fernandes

The Indian Internaional is in the form of his life for the Gaurs. The Attacking Midfielder scored twice and provided 5 assists for his home side. The Boumous-Brandon duo was the engine of the Goan side. Brandon who missed the first leg just like Boumous is expected to be back in the lineup for Goa.

Jamshedpur FC set to sign Pawan Kumar

Courtesy : Sportskeeda

Jamshedpur FC is all set to sign the 28 year old goalkeeper from North East United.

Jamshedpur FC will be looking to replace Subrata Paul, who recently signed for Hyderabad FC, with Pawan Kuamr. He was the second choice goalkeeper for the highlanders this season. He could appear in only 2 games for North East.

Both Jamshedpur and North East had season to forget. Both the teams failed to qualify for the play-offs. Jamshedpur have already started their rebuild for the next season. They are in pole position to bring FC Goa's Spanish midfielder Edu Bedia.

Pawan Kumar has played for sides like Salgocar, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC etc.