Shillong, Nov 12: Mumbai City FC have signed young defender Halen Nongtdu, the club announced through social media.
The 18-year-old from Meghalaya joins the Islanders on a 3.5-year contract, until May 2026.
The Kiang Nangbah Award winner rose through the ranks in the age-group sides of Pune-based club DSK Shivajians. At 17, the young centre-back was brought into the Indian Arrows set-up where he became an integral member.
Nongtdu has had a steady rise through the junior national team, all the way through the U-15s to the U-20s. Alongside current Mumbai City forward Gurkirat Singh, Nongtdu is one of the captains of the India U-20 side and recently led India to the SAFF U-20 Championship title in Bhubaneswar before representing the Blue Tigers at the U-20 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuwait.
Following his signing, Nongtdu joins a growing list of talented youngsters at Mumbai City. The young defender will be eligible to represent the Islanders from 1st January 2023.
Halen Nongtdu said, “Being a part of a club of Mumbai City’s stature is a great opportunity for me and one that I am ready to make the most of. I am young and I want to make my mark in football, and joining Mumbai City will help me learn from the very best, both on and off the pitch. I cannot wait to get to work and start this new chapter of my life.”
His new coach, Des Buckingham, said, “As we have always maintained, we want the best young footballers to represent our club. We firmly believe in developing young talent and giving them a competitive platform to realise their potential, and Halen’s addition only strengthens our beliefs. Young Halen has shown in youth football, both at a domestic and an international level, what he’s capable of and we’re excited to work with him at Mumbai City.”
(File photo)
