Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper hailing from Manipur, Keirak village near Imphal is all set to become the first Indian Footballer to secure a professional contract in Australian league. The talented footballer has joined the Metro United WFC in the South Australian Women’s National Premier League and hopes to make a move from South Australian Women’s premier league to the top-tier prestigious A-League women by the end of the year.

Chanu had started her footballing career with Women football academy in Kakching, Manipur, where she spent four years before making her move forward to Eastern Sporting and then to Manipur police. Chanu has given some exceptional performances in recent times in India’s recent clashes against Kosovo and Hong Kong in the Turkish women’s cup held in Turkey where India finished as the runner ups.

The 28 year old talent will also be training with A-League side Adlaide United, whose coach Adrain Stenta had spotted, her exceptional playing skills and talent at ‘women in sports’ trial in Kolkata last year. Metro United have completed the first two games of the campaign with Chanu to hopefully join them from their third game, potentially giving her more than 20 games to play in the league, play offs and cup competition.

In an interview regarding her achievement she expressed, “This is the first step towards playing in the A-League,” “I am excited about this challenge. I know it won’t be easy for me in Australia, known for its high standards in women’s football but I’ve been preparing for this opportunity for a long time and won’t disappoint.”

The player representative Anuj Kichlu talking about this selection in an interview said, “It was Adrian who spotted Pantoi as a potential target for the future, but since the A-League runs from September to April, he recommended her to Metro United” “There is a small month-long overlap between the state Leagues and A-League, so the top players can be seen in action. The aim is to play in the local leagues and then move forward.”

Metro United coach Paul Morris regarding this transfer told, “She would be a great addition to the squad. She is a top-class goal keeper with international experience and possesses each of the qualities you look for in a goal keeper.” Further adding, “Everyone at Metro United is looking forward to welcoming Panthoi.”

Panthoi has become the fourth player to sign a professional contract with an international club out of the 27 players who attended the ‘women in sports’ elite football trails. Apart from Chanu, earlier Jyoti Chauhan, Kiran Pisda, and MK Kashmina had all joined Croation top-tier club, ZNK Dinamo Zagreb.

PIC CREDTS :- @womeninsportsindia

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