Preparing for their debut season in the 20/21 campaign of the Hero ISL, SC East Bengal have announced the signing of former Birmingham City midfielder Jacques Maghoma.
Considering that the red and yellow club have managed to complete the signing of star forward Jeje Lalpekhlua from Chennaiyin FC and secure a loan move for Brisbane Roar right-back Scott Neville, the debut season promises to be very exciting for football fans all across the country.
Maghoma is currently 32 and has a great amount of experience under his belt. The player primarily plays in left-midfield but can also hold the fort in the middle.
The new signee rose through the ranks at the Tottenham Hotspur academy and was eventually sold to Burton Albion. He then joined Sheffield Wednesday in the 13/14 season before joining Birmingham City in the 15/16 season.
After 5 years with the Championship club, the player has finally moved out of Europe and could bring some great value to the footballers in the ISL.
Since the football scene in India is still developing, the input from a tried and tested player who has over two decades of experience in one of the most competitive footballing countries can only make things better for the youngsters in the team.
The 32-year-old has represented his country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 21 times and has managed to score a singular goal, his output will make East Bengal a team to watch this season.
Considering the sort of business conducted by the newly inducted team this season, it would not be a surprise to see them challenging for the title in their very first appearance in the Hero ISL.
After 417 appearances in English football, it is no doubt that Maghoma knows the game well. However, adapting to the conditions and the new environment is a significant challenge for anybody.
Given the current scenario of the world, it might be difficult for the midfielder to get accustomed to his new home, but expect good things from the player when he finds his feet in the top flight of Indian football.
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