ISL: Kerala Blasters set to sign Sparta Prague legend Costa Nhamoinesu

Kochi-based Kerala Blasters FC are close to completing the signing of Zimbabwe international defender and Sparta Prague legend Costa Nhamoinesu for the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season, as per several reports. Having already confirmed the signing of English forward Gary Hooper earlier in the week, the Tuskers have now shifted their focus on their defensive unit with the 34-year-old veteran at the top of their shopping list.

Nhamoinesu, who is known for his man-marking ability, aggression and aerial prowess, has previously played in Europe with Polish side Zaglebie Lubin before moving onto Czech club AC Sparta Prague in 2013. He enjoyed seven successful seasons with the club, becoming the highest capped foreign player and the first African to wear the captain’s armband during his stay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRkphNNde8Y

The defender, who bears a striking resemblance to former Arsenal and AS Roma winger Gervinho, made 203 appearances for the club, 33 of them in the Europa League/qualifiers and 7 in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds, making him one of the few players in the ISL who has featured extensively in European continental competitions.

The tough tackling defender also has 9 caps for his country and would bring heaps of experience into the Blasters defensive unit. Interestingly, he also has a Masters Diploma in sports management from the prestigious Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona and has time and again stated his intention of educating African players about the level of professionalism that a sporting career requires, using his personal experiences.

Having worked with Kibu Vicuna previously at Lubin where he was the assistant coach, the intelligent defender should prove to be a shrewd buy as long as he is able to keep himself fit for the entire campaign.

Also read: What does every ISL club need before transfer window ends