Panaji: Salgaocar FC has signed in Zambian defender Francis Kasonde as their Marquee player for the upcoming I-League championship. The 27-year old versatile defender was instrumental in guiding Zambia to the African Cup of Nations in 2012 and currently has 36 International Caps to his credit.
"Kasonde is Salgaocar's third foreign signing after it renewed the contract of last season's top scorer, Darryl Duffy and roped in Ivorian midfielder Douhou Pierre earlier this year from Pune FC," Rahul Rodrigues, media officer said.
Kasonde netted his first International goal in a 1-1 draw against Egypt and donned the colours of Isreal's Hapoel Ra'anana AFC in the Israeli Premier League in 2013-14 season. He has played in several defensive positions in the past, 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, Rodrigues said.
"I am delighted to move to India and join a club with such rich history. Winning trophies are extremely important in the career of every footballer and I hope to make a significant contribution to Salgaocar FC," Kasonde said in a statement today.
