Photo credit: SC East Bengal

SC East Bengal announced the joining of defender Naocha Singh on loan from Mumbai City FC on Monday for the remainder of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season.

Naocha, who hails from Manipur, helped Gokulam Kerala win the I-League in the 2020-21 season, playing every minute for the Malabarians that term. Earlier, he was key to their successful 2019 Durand Cup campaign.

The 22-year-old started his career through NEROCA FC’s youth set-up and went on to play for TRAU FC before returning to NEROCA to feature in the 2018-19 Hero I-League.

"I am looking forward to turning out for SC East Bengal. It is such a prestigious club and has such rich history. I will try and help the team this season and also get important minutes under my belt," said Naocha on his transfer.

Head coach Mario Rivera stated that he is happy to have Naocha become a part of SC East Bengal.

"Naocha is a strong defender with impressive qualities, and we are very happy to have him with us SC East Bengal. At a very young age, he has tasted success and also knows what it means to play big clubs in India.”

The defender is yet to make his debut in the Hero ISL as he couldn’t make an appearance for Mumbai City FC this season.