Thaindian News

Shillong, Jan 21 (IANS) Shillong Lajong Football Club Saturday signed Australian striker Mathew Osvaldo Mayora ahead of their I-League match against Dempo Sunday.

“We were looking for the right kind of player to fit into our system, and we discovered that Mayora’s style of play suits Lajong,” Shillong Lajong coach Pradhyum Reddy told reporters here.

Though Mayora was recommended by top coaches in India, Reddy cautioned the Shillong Lajong’s fans not have too many expectations from the Australian in his debut game.

“The fans should not expect him to perform in his debut match (against Dempo). One signing would not bring in radical changes to the team, and he needs time to adjust himself with all conditions,” Reddy stressed.

Mayora had earlier played for various Australian football clubs in New South Wales before joining Southern Samity in Calcutta.

However, the 6 feet 2 inches striker will also provide the “height advantage” to Lajong considering the short stature of most of the team’s players.

Dempo coach Armando Colaco, whose team had defeated Shillong Lajong 5-0 in their home match, said the “pressure” would be on the home team considering the expectations of the crowd.

“We are used to playing in front of a hostile crowd. Hence, there will not be any pressure on us and we will continue to play good football,” he added.