Odafa staying, claims Churchill

India champions Churchill Brothers have managed to retain skipper and Nigerian goal-scoring machine Okolie Odafa and most of their squad, says team patron Churchill Alemao.

India champions Churchill Brothers have managed to retain skipper and Nigerian goal-scoring machine Okolie Odafa and most of their squad, team patron Churchill Alemao said on Monday. With 26 goals in 22 matches, Odafa won his third Golden Boot this season.

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Following a meeting on Sunday night, the club’s board of directors and most players agreed to renew their contracts.

One of the reasons why the Goan family club ensured that most stay back could be the fact that they will have to play in Asia next season.

Speaking to HT from Varca, Alemao said: “Yes, we have renewed the contracts with many of the main players who were instrumental in helping us to win our maiden I-League title. Odafa has also decided to stay back. I know that as long as Odafa plies his trade in India, he will only play for us.

Striker Felix Chimaokwu has also agreed to sign for another year. Only Ogba Kalu Nnanna is still negotiating and three other key members are yet to decide their future. “Kalu is demanding too much money. We will decide about him later,” Alemao said.

About goalkeeper Arindam Bhattcharya, central defender Gourmangi Singh and medio Chitrasen Chandam Singh who are still undecided, Alemao said: “I will be meeting the three players in the next couple of days and lets see how it goes.”

With regards to coach Zoran Djordjevic, Alemao said: “First let me to in place a good solid team. “I must ensure that I get the proper men who fight for us on the field. A coach I will find anywhere and anytime. There are already so many waiting to join us.”