Mandar Rao Desai and Kattimani sign 3-year contracts with FC Goa

INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE TEAM FC GOA announced their another retained player today. Winger Mandar Rao Desai is the second of two senior players retained by the team. The 25 year old has been with the ISL franchise since the first edition and was part of the runners up team in 2015. 

Earlier Laxmikanth Kattimani was announced to have been retained by the Goan franchise. In a press release, FC Goa shared that Goalkeeper Laxmikanth Kattimani and winger Mandar Rao Desai signed 3-year contracts with the franchise.

Kattimani, the Goan lad has played in Goa for Dempo for the most of his I-League career. Last season of the I-League, he plied his trade with Mumbai FC, who were relegated. Kattimani has been first choice keeper for the Gaurs from the past two editions of the ISL.

Kattimani on his renewed ties with FC Goa said,

“I’m thankful to the club for the faith they have shown in my abilities. Being a Goan, it’s a moment of pride to be able to represent the club which plays in Goa. We are starting fresh this year with a lot of expectations and after the disappointment of last season, we are keen to ensure we give the fans something to cheer about this season.”

Mandar has played in Goa for a long time. In 2013/2014  he made in the I-League with Goan club Dempo before been picked by FC Goa in the innaugural edition of the ISL. Since then he has been one of regulars in the team. Mandar has scored a total of four goals in the ISL. 

Mandar said,

“I’m pleased to be able to come back to Goa again. For the past three seasons, I have received an immense amount of love and support from the fans and have learnt a lot at the club. I want to continue to keep moving in an upward trajectory and continue to develop my skills under the new coach. I’m keen to play my part in ensuring the club pushes hard for the title this year.”

Last season, the 25 year winger was signed by I-League's Bengaluru FC who went on the lift the Federation Cup trophy. He played one game in the AFC Cup campaign and made an appearance in the Asian Champions League qualifiers against Jordanain side Al Wihdat Amman.

Club president, Akshay Tandon said,

“We are delighted to have been able to agree terms with Laxmikanth Kattimani and Mandar Rao Dessai. Both of them have defended the club’s crest since its inception and we couldn’t be happier that they will continue to do so for a further three years. Both of them have been vital pieces of the jigsaw in the past seasons and we expect them to continue in the same vein. With only two players being allowed for retention, we are pleased that they have ended up being Mandar and Kattimani.”

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