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Indian national team goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu became the first Indian footballer to play in Australia. She has been signed by the South Australia Women’s Premier League side Metro United Women’s Football Club. Chanu will train with the A-League side Adelaide United for the upcoming South Australian league. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been a key part of the Indian women’s football team and her side Eastern Sporting Union.
Chanu’s journey to Australia began after her recent stint in Spain after she alongside compatriot Bala Devi underwent training. The Indian footballers trained and appeared for trials with the Spanish Segunda Federacion team Malaga. Chanu became a global football figure, owing to her experience as well as her skillset. According to the head coach Paul Morris, Chanu is expected to debut on the Saturday, March 30, clash.
On the occasion, Coach Morris told Sportskeeda, “Panthoi will come in as our first-choice goalkeeper. We will use her experience and knowledge to take the team forward and nurture the young goalkeepers in our ranks.” He added, "In Australia, you have the Women's A-League which is the top tier, where Adelaide United plays. We play a league below that, in the Women's Premier League. Panthoi will get an opportunity to train with Adelaide United.”
He added, “They are a professional club with full-time coaches and it will be a great opportunity for her to get the exposure of training with a professional club in Australia.” The footballer expressed her excitement on the occasion and said, "It feels great and I want to join the team and give my best effort as soon as possible.”
