French-born Benin international Romuald Boco becomes the latest marquee footballer to join the list of crowd-pullers at the I-League 2015. Bharat FC, coached by Stuart Watkiss and owned by the Kalyani Group, announced his signing for their debut season in India’s premier club competition, starting with a home tie against Dempo Sports Club later this week at Balewadi Sports Complex, near Pune.
The 29-year-old midfielder, armed with experience of 48 national team appearances for Benin in African Cup of Nations, joined the Pune franchise from English League One side Chesterfield FC. Boco, national team captain in 2008 African Cup and squad member in 2010, started career in France for Chamois Niortais in 2004-2005, moved to Ireland, China before stints with Plymouth Argyle and Chesterfield in England.
Talking about the Benin signing, Watkiss said: “Boco is a very skillful player. His ball control and distribution are immaculate and his addition has come as a big boost to us. He can lend his weight to the attack and also ensure that we are always in the game with his precise passing.”
Amit Kalyani, Bharat FC MD, remarked: “Boco comes to us highly recommended. He is an excellent player and someone who has done well at every club that he has played for. He also has experience of playing in Asia and that will be helpful for him to accalimatise quicker to Indian conditions.” The midfielder represented Shanghai East Asia team in Chinese Premier League.
