Jamshedpur, Sep 14 (FN Bureau) Jamshedpur FC have added to their squad strength ahead of the start of the new Indian Super League (ISL) season by completing the signings of Nongdamba Naorem Singh and Thongkhosiem Haokip, the club sources here on Thursday said. Also known as Semboi, Haokip primarily operates as a forward and joins the club following a most recent stint at East Bengal in the ISL where he featured regularly for the club. Haokip has been signed to a one-year deal and already impressed in recent pre-season friendlies where he scored against NorthEast United for the Men of Steel. The 30-year-old is an ISL veteran in his own right, featuring 62 times in the tournament across several seasons, and scoring nine goals and providing two assists during this period. The Manipuri forward also lifted the Hero ISL trophy with Bengaluru FC and won the Hero Super Cup while playing for the same team. The club has also completed the signing of Nongdamba Singh Naorem on a three-year deal following his impressive displays in recent seasons.
The winger played a key role for India during the FIFA U17 World Cup and has played at clubs such as Kerala Blasters, Minerva Punjab, Mohun Bagan and FC Goa.The 23-year-old has already won the I-League and was also a part of the Durand Cup winning squad of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023. The Manipur native has several attacking qualities that will make him an asset to Jamshedpur FC in the near future. “Nongdamba comes to us with a lot of talent”, said Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Scott Cooper. “We believe he’s a player for the future who has speed, strength, ability and a great attitude. I think now can be his time to shine after a little bit of bad luck previously. We think he can develop himself and push himself to higher levels,” he said. “Haokip is the kind of player that can bring a lot to our team,” Cooper continued,” Cooper said. “He’s a very strong and experienced striker who has spent several seasons in the ISL and he will bring his know-how to the team. Fans can be excited at the prospect of having both Nongdamba and Haokip working together for the club,” he added.