Chukwuma signs for FK Teplice

The Sesa FC graduate had impressed the technical staff of the Czech club while on a ten day trial and became first Indian academy player to secure foreign deal.

New Delhi: In a first for an Indian football academy, Sesa Football Club’s Chukwudi Chukwuma became the first youth academy graduate from the country to sign a deal with a foreign club. He has inked a four-year contract with Czech Republic top flight team FK Teplice.

Chukwuma, who’d previously been drafted for a ten-day trial at Teplice, impressed the Czech club’s technical staff after showing his consistency and goal scoring prowess in a friendly win over Meteor Praha FC in which he scored. Chukwudi had been called up for a trial following his performances for Sesa in the Goa Pro League and U-20 I-League tournaments. The Nigerian, who had joined Sesa FA in 2010, has been coached by his father and Sesa coach Clifford Chukwuma, while his progress has been overseen by Sesa FA Technical Director and Panathinaikos FC Tassos Sioulas. He has been lauded for his pace and eye for goal. “I’ve always dreamed of playing in Europe and my dream has become a reality. I cannot wait to begin playing with FK Teplice. This is a huge opportunity for me and I would like to thank the Sesa Football Academy, its coaches and administrators, Tassos Sioulas, my father and Libero Sports India for believing in me and helping me fulfil my dream of playing football in Europe,” said the ecstatic soon-to-be FK Teplice hitman. FK Teplice’s Direct Frantisek Hrdlicka elucidated, “We are delighted with the signing of Chukwudi Chukwuma. He did really well in the training sessions last week where he showed a lot of promise. He is very quick and talented, with a great future. We are very happy to have him with us.” Chukwudi is expected to join the third placed Czech Liga club formally in Jan 2014. Goal.com