ISL 2020-21: Naorem Mahesh Singh and Shaiborlang Kharpan join Sudeva FC on loan from Kerala Blasters

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters have confirmed that Naorem Mahesh Singh and Shaiborlang Kharpan will both be joining Sudeva FC on loan for the season. This comes on the back of Arjun Jayaraj’s departure from the club after his contract was mutually terminated following a perceived lack of game-time.

The Tuskers brought in Naorem Singh from Shillong Lajong FC in October this year after the 21-year-old had impressed in the Meghalaya State League and the Shillong Premier league. He also played for Lajong in the 2018-19 I-League, scoring four goals and assisting three. The youngster was then loaned out to Kerala Blasters’ reserve side and played in the 2019-20 2nd division league.

https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/1334524456849432582

Speaking about his upcoming loan spell, Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said, “Mahesh did great during our pre-season. With very good finishing abilities, he is a player with potential. Match experience is vital for the development of any youngster and hopefully he will have a good season with Sudeva FC.”

25-year-old Shaiborlang Kharpan was also roped in from Shillong Lajong in 2017. He has since featured for their reserve side in the 2nd division I-League and the Kerala Premier League where he impressed one and all. The striker from Meghalaya also had a successful loan season at Ozone FC in Bangalore. Upon returning to the Blasters, he was promoted to the first team for the 2019-20 season but failed to make an appearance.

https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/1335132117345288192

In an official club statement, Karolis Skinkys confirmed the development saying, “Shaibor is an honest and hard worker. He did well with us during pre-season and this is now a good chance for him to build on his experience in the I-League. We will be closely monitoring him and I'm sure he'll have a good season at the club.”

Both the players are now expected to play a major role for debutants Sudeva FC in the I-League. Co-owned by Anuj Gupta and Vijay Hakari, the Delhi-based club will be the first team from the capital to play in the I-League in a long time.