Confirming earlier reports from various outlets, midfielder Isaac Vanmalsawma has joined Odisha FC for the upcoming Indian Super League season. The versatile midfielder has penned a two year deal with the Juggernauts with an option to extend it to the third year.
Vanmalsawma represented India U-19 in 2013 and is a graduate of the AIFF Elite Academy. He kickstarted his professional campaign when he signed for Shillong Lajong FC and featured in the I-League. The Mizo midfielder was one of Lajong’s mainstays for two consecutive I-League seasons. Then in 2017, he jumped ship to join ISL outfit FC Pune City. He made his debut in the ISL with the Stallions and also featured in the playoffs and Super Cup. He then joined Chennaiyin FC and represented them in the AFC Cup for the first time in his playing career. Before joining Odisha FC, he has also plied his trade for Jamshedpur FC for two seasons, he was more of a regular in the last season under Owen Coyle.
He has featured only once for the Indian national team during Stephen Constantine’s time. He made his debut against Bhutan in 2016 and that was the last time he was called up. He will hope that with consistent performances for Odisha FC in the upcoming ISL he can catch the attention of Igor Stimac and get back in the national team setup.
Speaking on the development, Club President Mr. Raj Athwal commented, “We are delighted to welcome Isaac Vanmalsawma to the Odisha family. Another quality addition to the squad and a highly respected player who I am sure will make a huge impact next season.”
The 34-year-old is also delighted to join Odisha FC, he said, “I am delighted to join this young and exciting team. We will play vibrant and entertaining football, delighting our loyal fans who have been with us every step of the way. I want to assure them that, neither I nor the team will ever give up and will keep fighting till the final whistle.”
“I would like to thank the Odisha FC management for this opportunity, and I shall work hard to repay the faith that they have shown in me,” the winger concluded.
Vanmalsawma is a player who will add energy and creativity to this Odisha FC side. He can play in several roles starting from a winger to even as an attacking midfielder. Hence his signing will add depth to the Juggernauts for the upcoming season.
Apart from Isaac Vanmalsawma, Odisha FC have also signed players like Sahil Panwar, Sebastian Thangmuansang and Lalruatthara this summer.
