FC Goa has officially announced the acquisition of Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, a young and talented full-back from the renowned Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) academy. Sanatomba, an 18-year-old prodigy, has inked a multi-year contract with the Gaurs, ensuring his place in the squad well into the future.

Sanatomba’s journey to FC Goa is a testament to his hard work and exceptional potential. Having honed his skills at RFYC, he emerged as one of the academy’s standout players, attracting the attention of FC Goa’s scouts. His move to the club represents a significant step in his budding career and highlights FC Goa’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

Expressing his excitement about the new chapter, Sanatomba said, “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.”

Sanatomba’s football journey is decorated with notable achievements. He was part of the RFYC team that clinched the Sub-Junior I-League title in the 2018-19 season and finished as runners-up in the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) Super Division in 2022-23. Throughout his tenure at RFYC, Sanatomba played 42 matches, logging 2824 minutes on the field, providing four assists, and contributing to 18 clean sheets, showing his defensive ability and consistency.

FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, is optimistic about Sanatomba’s potential impact on the team. He commented, “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.”

Sanatomba’s arrival strengthens FC Goa’s defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season. He is the club’s seventh new signing for the season, joining goalkeeper Lara Sharma, defenders Aakash Sangwan and Muhammad Hammad, midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Dražić, and forward Alan Saji. This influx of fresh talent signals FC Goa’s strategic focus on building a robust and dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest levels.

With Sanatomba Singh Yanglem’s addition, FC Goa not only gains a promising defender but also reinforces its reputation as a club that values and invests in young talent, aiming for sustained success in Indian football.