Talented striker Mohammed Rafi joins DSK Shivajian for the upcoming season of I-League
DSK SHIVAJIAN have further bolstered their squad with the signing of 33 year old forward Mohammed Rafi. The seasoned striker, who played for Kerala Blasters in the recently concluded ISL, has completed his move to the Pune-based club ahead of the I-League 2015-16 season.
The striker confirmed the news on his instagram account
The player, a native of Trikaripur, Kerala has been part of Mumbai FC squad since 2013. His contract with Mumbai FC ran out at the end of 2014-15 season and he joined Kerala Blasters as a free agent.
Rafi got his senior club debut in his home state back in 2004, playing for State Bank of Travancore. In 2006 he joined Mahindra United and played there till 2009-10, rising to prominence with his performance in the I-League. He got his national team debut around the same time, in 2009. Next year he hot his only international goal during a heavy defeat to UAE.
Afterwards his form went through some ups and downs as he played for Churchill Brothers and Mumbai Tigers before regaining some touch at Mumbai FC.
His first outing in the ISL, on loan at Atletico de Kolkata, was a mixed bag as he grabbed eyeballs with his positional play but didn't get to score much. In 10 appearances he scored only once. In 2015, he had a better outing at Kerala Blasters, scoring 4 goals in 7 appearances.
At DSK Shivajian he will be one of the most experienced players in the dressing room. His inclusion accounts some extra mobility up front and creates a better delivery channel.
