Clarance Fernandes
MARGAO
Bengaluru FC have roped in Clarance Fernandes from Dempo Sports Club. The 17-year-old defender participated in the recently concluded JSW Youth Cup, where Dempo's Under-18 team featured. Clarance is from Dempo’s residential academy and was called up to the Indian Under-16 side in 2017.
Clarance was originally a part of Churchill Brothers’ U-16 side but left in 2019 to join Dempo. The defender has played for the Indian U15 and U16 sides. Fernandes accompanied the youth team during the Dubai tour where they played against teams like UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The youngster will have plenty to learn from the recently appointed manager Simon Grayson. He will be rubbing shoulders with national team players such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sunil Chhetri, and will be a part of Bengaluru’s youthful and vibrant talent pool.
With the contract extensions of Roshan Singh, Lara Sharma and Wungngayam Muirang, Bengaluru have established that they are prioritising their future in the transfer market. With Pratik Choudhary’s departure, Clarance may have a golden opportunity to impress Grayson during the pre-season and challenge for a starting place.
"It's a new journey for me. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to join a big club like Bengaluru FC. This is going to be a great challenge and I will work hard. I know I have to deliver the best and justify this opportunity," Clarance said after his transfer.
"I believe in myself. I will always stay humble and just do my job well. I want to thank everyone from Dempo SC for contributing to my life and helping me to reach this level. The club has always provided better coaching, a good platform for my academics, significant mentoring, and good nutrition. I will not forget what Dempo have done in my life; I will forever remain grateful," the young defender said.
"Clarence is one of the most talented young defenders I have worked with. He is a leader on and off the pitch; I always believed in his potential and capabilities. He is hardworking and very passionate about the game," Anju Turambekar, Dempo SC's technical director said.
"Clarance has always impressed us with his academic performance, and recently completed his 12th standard with distinction. He has a long way to go and I'm certain that he will achieve all his dreams. BFC is a great start for him in his professional journey and I wish him good luck," Turambekar added.
