I-League 2020: Gokulam Kerala announce Afghan national Sharif Mukhammad

GOKULAM KERALA FC have signed Afghan midfielder Sharif Mukhammad for the upcoming I-League season.

The 30-year-old midfielder has played for top clubs in Russia and Sweden. His last stint was with Maziya, a Maldivian club.

Born and brought up in Russia, Sharif started his football journey at the age of seven with the academy of Anzhi Makhachkala, a Russian Premier League club. He was promoted to their senior team and remained at his boyhood club for five years.

At Anzhi, he has played along with top footballers such as Roberto Carlos, Willian, and Samuel Eto. He later joined Spartak Nalchik, AFC Eskilstuna, and Maziya. In Maziya, he has played AFC Cup.

Sharif is a regular starter for the Afghan National team and has made several appearances for them.

“I am going to play for an Indian club for the first time. I thank Gokulam Kerala FC for giving me an opportunity. I have already spoken with the coach and I am eagerly waiting to arrive in India to join the training,” said Sharif Mukhammad.  

“Sharif has good experience playing in the Russian Premier League and other top divisions. He can play as center back and as a center midfielder. He is a quality player with good passing and can do a good job during transitions. His AFC Cup experience will come in handy for us. I am happy that we have signed him. I am sure we can get the best out of Sharif,” said GKFC head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.

“Sharif is an experienced player and we wish him the best for the upcoming season. He will be a major addition to our squad. We welcome Sharif to the GKFC family,” said Gokulam Kerala FC chairman Gokulam Gopalan.

Gokulam Kerala press release