The Odisha FC announced its official squad for the forthcoming Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 on Thursday. The Bhubaneswar-based team is gearing up for the opening match against Bengaluru FC at Tilak Maidan in Vasco in Goa on November 24.
The Kalinga Warriors had already announced the three captains for the season - Vinit Rai, Victor Mongil, and Hector Rodas-- a few days ago. The promotion of three youth team graduates - Deven Sawhney, Akshunna Tyagi, and CVL Remtluanga - into the senior side was also announced last month.
The squad includes six foreigners - Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas, Javi Hernandez, Aridai Cabrera, Liridon Krasniqi (AFC), and Jonathas De Jesus while seven youngsters - Lalhrezuala Sailung, Deven Sawhney, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Isak Vanlalruatfela, CVL Remtluanga, Akshunna Tyagi and Nikhil Raj have been classified as developmental players.
Also Read
Speaking about the squad, head coach Kiko Ramirez said, “We have a good mix of experienced and young players. We are really happy with the team that we are building and pleasantly surprised to see the level of the Indian players.”
“We think that some of them will make an impact this season in the ISL. Also, all the players have really good attitudes to learn and the foreigners will bring their experience about how to play in different situations,” said Ramirez.
The squad: (Goalkeepers) Kamaljit Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Kumar; (Defenders) Gaurav Bora, Lalruathara, Sahil Panwar, Hendry Antonay, Lalhrezuala Sailung, Sebastian Thangmuansang, Deven Sawhney, Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas; (Midfielders) Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Vinit Rai, Paul Ramfangzauva, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Liridon Krasniqi, Javi Hernandez, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Nandhakumar Sekar, CVL Remtluanga,Nikhil Raj; (Forwards) Akshunna Tyagi, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Aridai Cabrera, Jonathas Cristian De Jesus.