Bengaluru: South United FC, one of Bengaluru’s premier football teams, will be loaning two of its key players, Sunil Kumar and Kabir Thaufiq, to Chennai City FC for the 2016 – 17 I-League season.

This will be the first I-League for both Sunil, the captain of South United FC, and Kabir, their first choice goalkeeper.

Captain Sunil has proved himself to be a versatile player, with great adaptability and technical prowess. South United believes that he would be able to slot into any team seamlessly, and be an asset on and off the field.

Sunil Kumar – South United FC Captain

Kabir, only 19, has grown to become one of the most promising players in the team, and has gained recognition by winning numerous accolades as “Best Goalkeeper” in the Bangalore Super Division as well as other State Tournaments. He started with South United at the age of 16, and has become a great example to aspiring footballers in the state.

Kabir Thaufiq – South United FC GoalKeeper

Mr. Sharan Parikh, Owner & Director of South United FC, said, “We are thrilled for our players, Kabir and Sunil, as they prepare to play in the I-League with Chennai City FC. South United, as a football club has dedicated itself to the betterment of football in the country and are glad to see the time and effort put into training by us (and the boys) yielding results. However, the hard work begins now for Kabir and Sunil, who I’m sure are eager to prove their capabilities in the I-league and to test themselves against the best in the country. We wish them all the best on their loan spell and hope to see them return as better players with a promising future”

South United FC hopes that the two players will get a chance to play for the Indian National Team after the I-League, followed by several others from the team.

N. Solaimalai, who currently plays as a Central Midfielder, will be the captain in Sunil’s absence. The 21-year old has been with South United FC since its inception, and has shown immense potential during his stint at the club.

South United will also be giving its fresh recruits and young talent a chance this season. Some of the new recruits are just 16-years old, but Head Coach Kiran Santhosh believes that they hold immense potential like Sunil and Kabir.

South United FC, Bengaluru’s first privately owned football club, is developing talented young players and also creating an ecosystem where the club can sustainably thrive as an example for all other clubs to follow.

Tags: Bengaluru, Chennai City FC, I-League, Kabir Thaufiq, Kiran Santhosh, Sharan Parikh, South United FC, Sunil Kumar