19/08/2014 …. Salgaocar FC have landed their Marquee player in the form of 27 year old Zambian International, Francis Kasonde. The 6 foot tall versatile defender was instrumental in guiding Zambia to the African Cup of Nations in 2012. He currently has 36 International Caps to his credit, having made his debut in 2005. Kasonde netted his first International goal in a 1-1 draw against Egypt and donned the colours of Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C in the Israeli Premier League during the 2013-14 season.
Kasonde, Salgaocar’s third foreign signing, comes a couple of days after the Greens renewed the contract of last season’s top scorer, Darryl Duffy. With Douhou Pierre roped in earlier in the year from Pune FC, the former I-League champions have ensured that all key positions across the spine have been entrusted to their experienced foreign signings.
Kasonde has in the past played in several defensive positions, before being deployed as a defensive midfielder ahead of the African Cup of nations. He brings with him rich experience having previously played in Saudi Arabia and Egypt with the highlight of his club career being, finishing Runners Up to Inter Milan for Congolese Club, TP Mazembe at the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.
“I am delighted to move to India and join a club with such rich history”, remarked the player after undergoing his medicals. “Winning trophies are extremely important in the career of every footballer and I hope to make a significant contribution to Salgaocar FC in their quest for silverware this season”, the player added.
A visibly pleased coach Derrick Pereira had the following to say after a training session at the Duler Stadium. “Francis is a welcome addition to our squad and his experience of playing at the highest level should benefit us greatly at the heart of defence. I now have at my disposal almost an entire squad, which allows me to focus purely on the job at hand.”
Coincidentally, Kasonde’s position is one that the gaffer made his very own during his playing days at the club.
