On Wednesday, Chennaiyin FC announced the signing of youngsters Ganesan Balaji and Aqib Nawab after the duo graduated from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) set up recently. 18-year-olds Balaji and Nawab have also signed for Chennaiyin on multi-year deals respectively and will also be registered for Chennaiyin FC’s 2020-21 ISL squad.
Balaji, a Chennai boy, was initially a part of the Chennaiyin grassroots program in 2015, before joining RFYC. He now returns as a versatile presence on the left flank, capable of operating as left-back or left wing-back. Nawab, who hails from Kolkata, is another exciting prospect who can don multiple hats as centre-back or right-back.
“The inclusion of young blood in our team is imperative. Nurturing and promoting budding Indian talents is as much of a priority for us, as is winning matches and trophies. I am delighted to welcome Balaji and Nawab to our ranks and I wish to see them don the Chennaiyin colours with pride very soon,” said Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Csaba Laszlo who arrived in Goa last week.
