Reds also sign Ngaihte, Seimeinlen, Rehenesh
SHILLONG: Former Shillong Lajong FC captain and India international Aiborlang Khongjee has rejoined his old club, it was announced on Monday.
Khongjee is one of four new recent signings, with former East Bengal forward Seimeinlen Doungel, and Rangdajied United FC players David Ngaihte and Rehenesh TP also donning Lajong colours for the upcoming season.
The foursome will also be part of the Indian Super League through Guwahati franchise NorthEast United FC, which is co-owned by SLFC managing director Larsing Ming Sawyan.
Former Lajong captain Khongjee is returning after a two-season stint with Mohun Bagan. The 26-year-old had a successful season last year with the Mariners and he added a further feather to his cap by making his debut for the national team in 2013.
The 20-year-old Doungel is a product of the JCT Academy from Manipur. He is currently with the India team preparing for the upcoming Asian Games with an exposure tour of the Czech Republic.
Rehenesh and Ngaihte will be fairly familiar faces to those in Shillong as both played for Rangdajied last season.
Goalkeeper Rehenesh hails from Kerala, while Ngaihte is from Manipur.
As one of the exciting talents from the 2013-14 season, Ngaihte scored two goals for the Blues – a brace against Salgaocar in Shillong in November last year.
Prior to this latest agreement, SLFC agreed terms with five new players, who also represented India in the Under 19 AFC Cup Qualifiers last year – Alen Deory from Assam, Vishal Kaith from Himachal Pradesh, Issac Vanmalsawma and Joseph Lalfakzaual from Mizoram and Pritam Kumar Singh from Manipur – for the senior Lajong squad.
Altogether, Lajong have signed nine domestic players who will also ply their trade in the ISL, which is scheduled to start its first season in September.
Assam striker Durga Boro, who signed for the Reds in February, will also be part of NEUFC.
Through a press release, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto expressed his happiness with the signings.
“This is a step forward for the club and we are extremely delighted to have secured the services of these talented players and feel confident that they will help us achieve our targets in the upcoming season.”
The I-League season will begin in January 2015, with the ISL and Federation Cup preceding it.