Steven Dias extends contract with Mumbai FC

by FC Admin December 23, 2016

Mumbai, December 23: Seasoned winger and dead-ball specialist Steven Dias has agreed to extend his contract with Mumbai FC, the lone club from the city participating the I-League. The mercurial midfielder, who was part of the Mumbai I-League squad last season where the club finished in their best position ever in the table at fifth place and scored two goals in nine appearances for the Men in Yellow, renewed his contract.

Dias, who has earned over 50 caps for the national team, said “It feels great to extend my stay here. I have always wanted to play in Mumbai. Last season was decent but this time we want to be even better. We all at Mumbai want to be I-League champions and qualify to play in Asia next season.”

Santosh Kashyap underlined the importance of extending Steven’s stay at Mumbai, as he said, “It is always great to retain a player of his stature. He is a Mumbai legend and I expect him to be more dangerous this season, especially in dead ball situations.”

Steven Dias has been part of Mumbai’s pre-season campaign, playing in the Mumbai Elite Division League as well as the DSK Cup, in the past few weeks as the club prepares for the upcoming I-League campaign.

Earlier in the week, Mumbai FC added Laxmikant Kattimani, a top-level goalkeeper to their roster. The 27-year-old Goan-born custodian comes to the Mumbai team with loads of experience and would certainly add plenty of depth, especially at the back to the Mumbai outfit.

The Goan comes with a plenty of experience as was in charge of tending the citadel for Dempo SC in the I-League since 2008. He also wore the goalkeeper’s gloves for FC Goa under the guidance of Brazilian legend Zico during the Indian Super League.

The tally well-built goalkeeper also has major honours under his belt, being part of the I-League winning Dempo squad in 2009-10 and 2011-12. As a youngster, Kattimani trained under Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ramos and went on to represent India at both under-19 and under-23 levels.