Defender Ranjan Soren and mid-fielder Aula Siba Prasad were part of the Indian boys team that qualified for AFC U-16 Championship Finals. Rahim Bada was part of the Odisha team that qualified for Final Round of Sub-junior National Championship, scoring seven goals in two games at the East Zone League.

Bishal Oram was adjudged best goalkeeper at the 2018 Sub-Junior National Championship, where Odisha created history by emerging champions for the first time. Aman Xalxo and Purusottam Kerketta were members of the Indian team that won bronze medal at the 2018 SAFF U-15 Boys Championships.

Without home-grown players, the club failed to create interest among local fans and stands at Kalnga Stadium, the home venue, remained almost empty during last ISL season. ``Odisha FC without a home-grown player is like body without soul. The sooner the club owners realise this, the better it will be,’’ said Pravat Mohanty, a local footballer.

``If Odisha FC authorities have not yet found a home-grown player good enough to be roped in, the problem must be lying in the spotting and selection process. Do they want Odisha players to be eligible for Senior India team before expecting a call from OFC,’’ wondered Subit Das, a local club official.

Coming back to the new signings, both Hendry and Saurabh represented the Indian Arrows in the previous season of the I-League and were also a part of Chennaiyin FC earlier in their careers. Hendry, a 20-year-old right-back, had represented the India Under-17 side during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, while centre-back Saurabh had also played for India in the age-group competitions.

Welcoming the youngsters to OFC, club president Rohan Sharma said, "I feel extremely lucky to have Hendry and Saurabh join the club today. Both players have the utmost potential to become key members of our exciting defensive line. Saurabh has the versatility to play everywhere defensively which makes him a vital chess piece, and Hendry is probably one of the most exciting young Indian fullbacks right now.

While they are quite young and coming into the team fresh, I have high expectations for both of them. They have been looking for a home where they can excel and achieve their potential, and at Odisha FC, they will be given every opportunity to reach their potential."

After joining the Bhubaneswar-based club, Hendry expressed, "Several other clubs had shown interest in me but the investment in younger players that Odisha FC are putting in was the main factor that I put pen to paper. I am very much looking forward to meeting my new teammates and of course working hard to make an impact in the ISL.”

Expressing his delight, Saurabh said, "I am really happy to join Odisha FC and play in the Indian Super League next season. I hope to contribute to the success of the team. OFC have a good crowd support and I am quite excited to call Bhubaneswar my footballing home."
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PIX: File photos of Hendry Antonay (Top) and Saurabh Meher, the new signings of Odisha FC.