Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC have secured the signing of centre-back Stephen Eze, who returns to the club for his second stint. He has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club. The 30-year-old Nigerian brings a wealth of experience and physicality to the Men of Steel's defence. This marks the fourth foreign signing and the first foreign signing in central defence.

The tough Eze is a physical specimen with his tall frame of 6’ 4” inches. He has proven to be a significant advantage in both attacking and defensive set pieces. Eze in his previous season with the Men of Steel in 2020-21, won an impressive 93 aerial duels, showcasing his dominance in the air, scored 4 crucial goals and won 126 duels overall demonstrating his ability to outmuscle opponents.

Stephen was last with Quang Nam in Vietnam where he played 20 games scoring two goals. Prior to that, he worked with Owen Coyle in Queens Park where he played 17 games and barely missed qualification to the Scottish top division, scoring 3 goals in the season.

Eze was thrilled with the move to Jamshedpur FC and said, “I am ecstatic to be back at Jamshedpur FC, a club that has always felt like home to me although my first season was different in the bubble in Goa during Covid. So I am excited to now play in our real home at the Furnace. I want to build on my previous experience from ISL and contribute to helping the team succeed in the ISL. I am excited to be in Jamshedpur and get started.”

Eze has previously represented the Nigerian National Team. The defender has played with Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Bulgarian top division and represented them in the Europa League.

Head Coach, Khalid Jamil lauded the defender as he said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Stephen Eze back to Jamshedpur FC! He's a versatile player who will solidify our defence as a centre-back, capable of playing on both the right and left sides, as well as in a defensive midfield role. His experience in the ISL will be invaluable, particularly in set pieces, where he'll play a crucial role in both defence and attack. We need aggressive and experienced players like Eze in our setup, and I believe he has the leadership qualities, maturity and presence to marshal our defence."

FC Goa rope in Sanatomba Singh Yanglem

FC Goa have acquired the services of young full-back Sanatomba Singh Yanglem. A graduate of the esteemed Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy, Sanatomba has committed to a multi-year contract with the Gaurs, securing his presence in the team well beyond the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The 18-year-old who has demonstrated exceptional skill and potential during his time at RFYC, expressed his excitement about joining FC Goa.

“I am delighted to sign with FC Goa. Honestly, I did not expect an opportunity of this level – joining the First Team of one of the great clubs in India, with such a supportive environment. As a young player, I understand the challenges ahead in matching the levels of my more experienced teammates. However, this is the essence of football, and I am committed to my development, seeking guidance from both coaches and players.

“I believe FC Goa is the perfect place for my growth. This team is renowned for nurturing young talent and helping them achieve their potential.

“In my position as a left-back, I have two seniors, Aakash Sangwan and Jay Gupta, to look up to and learn from. Additionally, I am eager to work with the coaching staff, especially Coach Manolo, who has a reputation for significantly impacting young players. I aspire to be one of those players,” he added.

Sanatomba Singh has an impressive track record, being part of the RFYC team that won the Sub-Junior I-League in 2018-19 and finished as runners-up in the MFA (Mumbai Football Association) Super Division in 2022-23. Over his tenure with RFYC, he played 42 matches, clocked 2824 minutes, registered four assists, and contributed to an impressive 18 clean sheets.

FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, shared his thoughts on the new signing: “Sanatomba is a left-back with excellent qualities. He is technically sound, a solid defender, and shows remarkable bravery and aggression on the field, making it difficult for opponents.

“He is also physically strong, and has a promising future ahead despite his young age,” the Spaniard noted.

“FC Goa provides a great platform for young footballers to hone their craft at the highest level. We are proud of Sanatomba Singh for making this step in his young career. We look forward to seeing him perform and shine on the biggest stage,” an RFYC spokesperson commented on the move.

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Jamshedpur FCFC Goa2023-2024 Stephen Eze