Panthoi Chanu of India’s national women’s team, who now plays as goalkeeper, is on the verge at age 30 of making history by signing up to be the first Indian to play professional football in Australia.
Her history-making accomplishment coincides with word that she has inked a contract with Adelaide Metro United WFC, one of the teams competing in South Australian Women’s National Premier League. Her move to Australia follows in the footsteps of three other Indian players who landed foreign contracts through the Elite Trips for Female Footballers, 2nd edition, better known as ETFFF among its participants.
In India’s recent matches in the Turkish Women’s Cup 2024, Chanu displayed her amazing goalkeeping techniques, and now has the chance to represent Metro United WFC until September 2024 after attracting the attention at a trial co-organized by Adelaide United FC and attended by head coaches from leading teams.
Chanu’s remarkable goalkeeping skills were on display during India’s recent matches in the Turkish Women’s Cup 2024, catching the attention of Adelaide United FC during a trial attended by head coaches from various prominent teams. Following their recommendation, Chanu landed the opportunity to represent Metro United WFC until the conclusion of the season in September 2024.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Chanu said, “I am very happy to have signed for Metro United WFC and would like to thank the club management and Head Coach Paul Morris for putting their trust in me. I hope to do well and make my country proud.”
Head Coach Paul Morris echoed Chanu’s sentiments, expressing his delight in having her on board for the upcoming WNPL season in Adelaide. “She is a top-class goalkeeper with international experience, she possesses all the qualities you look for in a goalkeeper and will be a great addition to our squad,” he said.
Sanaya, the Founder and Director of Women in Sports, celebrated Chanu’s achievement, emphasizing its significance in uplifting women’s sports. “We are very happy as this is yet another feather in the cap of the goals we set out as WINS to uplift women’s Sports and push towards elite performances,” she remarked.
