It will be a unique season for Udanta Singh, who will don the colours of FC Goa in the upcoming Indian Super League 2023-24 season. After playing nine seasons at Bengaluru FC, it will be challenging for the Manipuri winger to adjust somewhere else.
The 27-year-old is one of the best wingers in the country and is widely famous for his blistering speed. Udanta has signed a multi-year contract with the Gaurs and can become a vital cog for head coach Manolo Marquez.
He has enjoyed a lot of success during his Bengaluru FC tenure. The speedy winger went on to win six trophies during his time including the ISL trophy in the 2018-19 season. He will be aiming to replicate that feat with FC Goa.
Udanta in a recent interview shared that he has always admired FC Goa. He highlighted that when he thought of pursuing a new challenge, he had one team on his mind. “I’ve always admired FC Goa. The club has one of the best football cultures and the most passionate fans in the company. Bengaluru FC became my home for nine years, but I always knew that if I had to be elsewhere at any point in time, it would be FC Goa – and I finally got the chance this summer,” Udanta Singh shared in an interaction with ISL website.
Besides roping in experienced foreigners, FC Goa have also made some good Indian signings. They have signed Boris Singh, Rowllin Borges (loan), Raynier Fernandes, Sandesh Jhingan and Narayan Das.
FC Goa have also roped in ISL trophy-winning tactician Manolo Marquez. The Spaniard has been fantastic in the Indian circuit. Having worked under different coaches at Bengaluru FC, Udanta is excited to work under Marquez.
“Everyone knows what he (Marquez) has done in the past three seasons in the ISL, and the extent of his contributions to Indian football,” he revealed.
“Like many of the great coaches I’ve played under, coach Manolo communicates well with us, and working with him has been a wonderful experience so far. I feel honoured to be given this great opportunity to work with him at FC Goa and learn as much as I can.”
FC Goa have developed an identity. The Gaurs like to keep the ball and initiate attacks from their defence. Therefore Udanta can be the player who can hurt the opposition with his speed and direct style of play. While Udanta will be in a different system under Marquez, he believes that it won’t be a big challenge for him.
“In modern football, most teams like to keep the ball and play with it, to attack and score goals. While FC Goa has a distinct style of doing this, the basic premises hence remain similar when compared to what I’ve experienced so far with my previous club and the national team,” Udanta explained.
The 27-year-old had a bright start to his FC Goa career having played four matches in the Durand Cup. He opened his account for the Gaurs in the win against the Downtown Heroes.
However, his aim is to win the ISL trophy once again, this time with FC Goa. “My ambition for the new season is to be a (ISL Cup) champion again, wearing the orange with FC Goa. I also strive to play consistently and give my all for this club,” he concluded.
