The 23-year-old joined the Marina Machans in 2022 from I-League side NEROCA FC

Chennai, June 2, 2025: Chennaiyin FC have retained Jiteshwor Singh for the long term after the Indian midfielder penned a three-year contract renewal that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Jiteshwor joined the Marina Machans in 2022 after a breakout season with I-League team NEROCA FC and was a stalwart in the Chennaiyin sides for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. The 23-year-old started the 2024-25 season on the sidelines but had earned his place back in the starting eleven midway through the campaign with distinguished performances.

Addressing his renewal, Jiteshwor said: “Chennaiyin is home to me, and I’m delighted to extend my journey here. This season, I had to work hard to earn my place back in the team, and I’m grateful for the trust the club has shown in me. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to give my all for the club next season.”

Jiteshwor’s extension strengthens the team’s core as the Marina Machans look to the future. The youngster’s tenacity and talent in the centre of the pitch stood out over the course of the season, earning him a spot in the starting XI and praise from head coach Owen Coyle, who expressed his delight at tying Jiteshwor down for the long term.

“Jiteshwor singing his new deal is fantastic for the football club, fantastic for Jiteshwor, and everyone else involved. We recognise what a talented player he is. This season has been a bit stop-start for him, but you can now see the impact he is making in the team, and he’s only going to get better,” Coyle said.

“There’s been interest from lots of other clubs, but Jiteshwor himself showed his commitment to the club. He knows what we’re trying to build. As much as this has been a tough season, he knows exciting times are ahead and we’re delighted to get him on board for the long term,” he added.

Hailing from Manipur, Jiteshwor spent his youth career with Eastern Sporting Union and Rising Athletic Union before joining I-League side NEROCA in 2019. A brief loan spell at the Kolkata-based I-League 2 team Bhawanipore Club aside, the young midfielder spent three seasons with NEROCA, where he was adjudged the I-League Emerging Player of the Year in 2021-22. Since joining Chennaiyin in 2022, the midfield engine has played 54 times across all competitions.

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Kotal, who has more than 50 caps for India, has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with Chennaiyin

Chennai, January 19, 2025: Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of seasoned Indian international defender Pritam Kotal from Kerala Blasters FC, to add strength to their backline. The 31-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Marina Machans, bringing a wealth of experience from both his Indian Super League journey and an international career that has already produced more than 50 caps for the national team.

Kotal, a key defender in Indian football, has consistently excelled since the ISL began in 2014. Originating from West Bengal, a known football hub in India, his youth career commenced with Chirag United before he made a name for himself in the I-League. Kotal would eventually foray into the ISL and become a crucial player for several teams, adding the league titles in the 2016 and 2019-2020 seasons to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.

Beyond his abilities and silverware, Kotal is also known for his leadership qualities on the pitch. The defender has previously captained Mohun Bagan Super Giant, leading them to eight consecutive victories in the Kolkata derbies.

Pleased with Kotal’s recruitment, head coach Owen Coyle said, “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Pritam to the football club. He’s a player who has played at the highest level and represented India over 50 times. He has been a champion in the league and has great leadership qualities to go with his footballing ability. He is very driven. I spoke to him at length, he wants to come into the club, help the younger players, and obviously show how good a player he is.

“It’s a great fit for the club. A very good character, a leader, and he’ll certainly help the team in the second half of the season,” Coyle added.

Internationally, Kotal made his senior debut in 2015 and has been a mainstay in the Indian national team since. He played a crucial role in India’s 2016 South Asian Football Federation Championship victory and was part of the squads that contested the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Having represented the Blue Tigers across multiple age groups, Kotal was awarded the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2015.

Speaking upon his arrival, Kotal said, “Very happy to be here and be a part of the Chennaiyin FC family. The coach explained he really wanted me in his team, so when I got the offer, I had no doubts about joining. This is a very good team that plays well. My goal from hereon would be to try and win every match and go to the playoffs.”

“Coach Coyle has been here for a few years, he knows the league, the Indian players. The players, too, know and respect him. I want to give everything on the pitch and I am very happy to play under him,” Kotal added.

A versatile defender who can play anywhere in the backline, Kotal joins Chennaiyin after spending the last year-and-a-half with Kerala, which included a spell of 14 games during the first half of the ISL 2024-25 season. The 31-year-old has already trained with the club and is set to make his debut in the coming days.

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