I-League: Bengaluru FC add more local flavour with youth signings

Bengaluru FC yesterday announced the signing of two local boys – P. Niroshan Mani and T. Amoes – to their squad for the I-League season that begins in less than two weeks. The midfield duo has signed one year contracts with the club coached by former Manchester United junior Ashley Westwood.

21-year-old Niroshan is a Tata Football Academy graduate who spent two seasons with Goan club Sporting Clube de Goa, before securing a loan move to local club South United FC.

“I haven’t come across a more professional set-up than the one I’ve seen at Bengaluru FC. The coach is fantastic and this is an opportunity that will do well for my career,” said Niroshan.

The twin signings takes the local presence in the club to five.

“The boys were on trial and impressed us enough to give them a chance. They are young and would do well to improve playing for the team. It’s also good to have more local presence in the team and it’s a motivation for youngsters in the community to do well,” said Westwood.

“It’s great to get this chance to play for a club from your city. This is my first brush with the I-League and I’m going to do everything to make it count,” said 19-year-old T. Amoes who has represented Karnataka state two times in the Santosh Trophy. The boy from Murphy town has also been part of the state Under-15 and Under-19 teams.