Jamshedpur FC announced the signing of 20-year-old winger Komal Thatal ahead of the eighth season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2021-22).
Komal was one of the stars of the Indian National Team in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017, signed with the club on a 3-year deal which will see him in Jamshedpur colours till May 2024.
After signing on the dotted line, Komal said, “I am glad to take up the challenge of fighting for honours with Jamshedpur FC. It’s an amazing club with a lot of commitment towards football development. The state of Jharkhand lives and breathes football and I know this is the step in the right direction for me. Under gaffer Owen Coyle’s guidance, I am looking to fight for success that the club and the fans crave so dearly.”
Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Owen Coyle was impressed with what Komal brings to the table.
“The way our system works needs fast, pacy players and young Komal fulfills our requirement. His flair in attack is something that would be helpful to us and his hunger to play and win gives him the X-factor. He is one of the prodigies of Indian Football like Boris, Narender, Moba and Jitu, and I am looking forward to working with him,” he said.
Komal Thatal Career
The Sikkimese began his football journey in 2011 when he joined Namchi Sports Academy in Sikkim. Later, after a successful trial, he joined AIFF Elite Academy and the U17 India Team that was preparing for the World Cup. Komal made a total of 31 appearances for India U17 and scored 8 goals for the team.
Komal made his ISL debut with ATK FC in 2018 against Jamshedpur FC itself. He went on to play for ATK FC for two seasons and then with the newly formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020-21. He amassed a total of 26 appearances (20 in Hero ISL) during his time in Kolkata scoring a goal too.