Mumbai FC ropes in four domestic talents for ISL

Mumbai City FC on Thursday announced the signing of local footballers David Lalrinmuana, Pronay Halder, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte and Anwar Ali for the upcoming third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Midfielder Lalrinmuana, who will turn 24 later this year, led Aizawl FC to the top division of Indian football and was even adjudged Mizoram Premier League "Player of the Year" for 2015-16.

Halder represented Mohun Bagan in the 2015-16 I-League as a defensive midfielder and is one of the promising Indian players around signed by Mumbai City FC.

Halder has represented India at the Under-19 and Under-22 levels and has been an integral part of the national team ever since he made his debut under the tutelage of Stephen Constantine last year. The Tata football academy graduate also represented Goan giants Dempo SC in the I-League and FC Goa in the ISL.

Ralte, widely known as Sena Ralte, started his career from the Esthar Academy and later went on to join Royal Wahingdoh promoting his team to the top division in 2013-14.

Playing in the I-League, the left back developed a good rapport with Jackichand Singh and helped his team finish third in I-League 2014-15. Ralte donned the Chennaiyin FC hues in the second season of the ISL, but will be seen at the Mumbai City FC camp this season.

Defender Ali, recognised for his dominance in aerial battles kicked off his senior career with Punjab Police before switching to JCT where he made a bright start by bagging the "Most Promising Player" award in the Durand Cup 2006.

His dominant performances in Dempo and Mohun Bagan got him selected into the national team where he was the rock at the center of the defence that propelled India on a winning spree in the late 2000's.

Commenting on the selection, Mumbai City FC CEO Indranil Das Blah said: "We are extremely happy to welcome Anwar Ali, Sena Ralte, David Lalrinmuana and Pronay Halder to the squad. They bring in a mix of experience and youth which is essential to the team. Each one of them adds a certain value which will be key for the upcoming campaign."

--IANS

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