Midfielder Sweden Fernandes, defenders Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei and Mashoor Shereef, and goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunnaiyil have been added to Punjab FC’s Indian roster for the 2023-24 season.
Sweden Fernandes, 23, has been signed on a season-long loan from ISL club Chennaiyin FC. Last season, he played 15 games on loan for NEROCA FC, scoring three goals and providing one assist. The talented left-footed teenager is well-known in the Goan football circuit, having played for FC Goa, Dempo SC, and Sporting Club de Goa’s youth squads.
Mashoor Shereef, a Kerala-born centre-back, has signed a one-year contract with The Club after spending part of the season with NorthEast United FC. He began his professional career in Chennai before relocating to the NorthEast in October 2020. In three seasons, he has made 37 appearances for the club. The defender also made his debut for the Indian national team against the UAE in March 2021.
Punjab FC has also signed defender Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, who was with the team during their victorious I-League campaign last season. The 29-year-old Manipuri centre-back has signed a one-year contract with the club after appearing in 10 I-League and three Super Cup matches last season. He recently played for the Indian Army FT team, who advanced to the Durand Cup quarterfinals and scored a goal in the group stages.
Shibinraj Kunniyil is a veteran goalkeeper who has formerly played for Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, Gokulam Kerala, Churchill Brothers, and Sreenidi Deccan. The Kerala-born player appeared in 19 matches for Gokulam Kerala in the previous I-League, when he shared the league’s most clean sheets. He was most recently seen competing for Indian Air Force FT in the 2023 Durand Cup.
Speaking about the new signings, Football Director of Punjab FC, Nikolaos Topoliatis said, “We are delighted to welcome these young and experienced players to our Club as they will add valuable qualities both on and off the field and strengthen our squad. We are confident that they’ll prove to be a vital part of Punjab FC’s future as we move towards bigger goals as a Club.”
