ISL 2016: Goalkeeper Edel Bete joins FC Pune City

Edel had starred for Atletico de Kolkata before moving to Chennaiyin FC

Pune, 8th August 2016: - The Rajesh Wadhawan Group and Hrithik Roshan co-owned Indian Super League club FC Pune City signed up one of Indian Super League’s most decorated goalkeepers Edel Bete for the 2016 edition of the league.Bete, a top-notch custodian, last season played with 2015 champions Chennaiyin FC and was a part of defending champs Atletico de Kolkata in the inaugural season of the ISL.

FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel was excited with the new signing, “Bete has a towering presence in front of the goal. He is one of those rare goalkeepers who can read his opponents mind early enough to anticipate and make a difference. The fact that he has been a crucial cog for both the sides that won ISL in the first two seasons (ATK in ’14 & CFC in ‘15) says enough and more about his abilities.”

Bete has once been a member of French giants Paris Saint-Germain. The 30-year old born and raised in Cameroon, has dual nationality, but represented Armenia at U-19, U-23 and senior level. He also represented multiple times Israeli champions Hapoel Tel Aviv from 2011-2013.

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Head coach Antonio Habas was delighted to have his former ward join forces at FC Pune City, “I’ve worked with Bete in the first season and let me tell you he is gifted with amazing reflexes and better anticipation. Rival strikers have never found it easy to score against him. For me, he is the finest keeper in ISL’s short history.”

Representing his third club in third ISL season, Bete said. “My experience playing in India has been memorable to say the least. I’ve won the title with two different teams and am looking forward to win it with my third team, i.e. FC Pune City. I am thankful to FC Pune City for providing me a new challenge and work with Habas again.”

Co-owner Hrithik Roshan welcomed the addition of the star goalkeeper.“Bete has been a proven performer and his addition to our club makes us a strong unit. I welcome him to the FC Pune City family.”