Pune City sign Das, Fernandes
Indian Super League club FC Pune City strengthened their defence by signing left back Narayan Das and Goan centre back Augustin Fernandes for the 2016 edition of the league.
Das, a Tata Football Academy alumnus, has played previously for Pailan Arrows, Dempo, FC Goa and East Bengal. In 2011, he made his India U- 19 debut followed by an U- 23 debut the next year.
In 2013, the 22- year old graduated to the senior ranks against Nepal and has since been a regular member with the national team. Das plied his trade with FC Goa in the 2015 and 2016 ISL seasons.
Goa- born Fernandes has played in the state since the beginning of his professional career. Starting with Sesa, Fernandes, in 2011, was drafted by Salgaocar FC. In his debut season, he helped the Goan outfit win the 2011 I League title and the Federation Cup and was part of its later successes.
Fernandes joined Atletico Kolkata in 2015 and in the same year also made his debut with the national team. He will now join his former coach, Antonio Habas at FC Pune City.
Habas felt both the players would add value to the team formation. “Narayan is a good left back and has the ability to go forward in attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have. Augustin is a very versatile defender who can adapt to different situations and can own any position in defense.”
Both Das and Fernandes were excited at the move.
“FC Pune City has built a good team under the guidance of coach Habas and I look forward to making my contribution and helping the team win ISL this year,” said Das.
Fernandes, who will join Arata Izumi, said, “Its always a pleasure to work with Habas. I am thankful to FC Pune City and the coach for giving me this opportunity to take a new challenge.”