India vice captain to don Lajong jersey
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) campaign in the current I-League season is expected to receive a major boost now that current India vice captain Potsangbam Rennedy will sport the Lajong colours.
Rennedy who has returned back after undergoing training with the Norwegian sides Tromsø IL in Tippeligaen has been signed by Lajong for the remaining of the I-League season.
“We hope that the team’s fortune would change with the presence of an experienced players like Rennedy who has represented the country in various prestigious international football event,” an elated SLFC coach Pradyum Reddy told reporters here on Monday.
When asked if there were any special reasons behind signing Rennedy, Reddy said, “You don’t need any special reason to sign a player of the caliber of Rennedy.”
The SLFC coach informed that when Rennedy expressed his desire to be a part of Lajong, the team management decided to rope him into the team without having any second thoughts.
When asked if Rennedy would be featuring in the playing XI in the home match against Churchill Brothers on Wednesday, Reddy said that Rennedy was recuperating from a minor injury.
“We would not take any risk until he is fully fit though we would take a final decision before the start of the match,” he said.
“I thank Lajong and coach (Pradhum Reddy) for giving me the opportunity to play in I-League,” Rennedy said while interacting with reporters.
34-year old Rennedy earned his first senior international cap in 1998 for his impressive performances with East Bengal at the age of 19.
Born on June 20, 1977 in Imphal, Rennedy is an Indian professional football player who continues to be a regular member of the Indian national football team.
He had also represented India in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and was instrumental in India winning the Nehru Cup International Football Tournament in 2007 and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.
Rennedy also played a vital role for India against Bahrain in the 2011 Asian Cup setting up both goals scored by India.
He has previously played for Mohun Bagan, East Bengal Club, EverReady SA and JCT FC.
Like many other current Indian internationals, Rennedy is a graduate of the famous TFA academy in Jamshedpur.
Rennedy spent six years at the Academy before signing his first professional contract with East Bengal in 1997.
Rennedy had also represented United Sikkim FC along with Bhaichung Bhutia during the qualifying rounds of the Second Division I-League in Shillong in May last year.