ISL 2015: Mumbai City FC retain defender Cmovs, sign striker Norde

Mumbai City FC have announced the retention of Czech defender Pavel Cmovs and signing of Haitian striker Sony Norde for the Indian Super League’s second season starting in October. Cmovs had an excellent inaugural season — often Mumbai’s saving grace as they finished second from bottom last year. He will certainly be their first choice center back as Mumbai look to rebuild. Norde’s will add extra firepower at the front — the club already have Sunil Chhetri (bought at the auction for Rs 1.20 crore) and player-manager Nicolas Anelka as strikers. [caption id=“attachment_2343516” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Cmovs in action for Mumbai City last season. ISL[/caption] Post his stint with Mumbai City in the inaugural ISL, Cmovs played for Rapid București in Romania. He has represented his country at youth level (From U17 to U21) and prior to joining Mumbai, plied his trade in the top tier of Bulgaria, playing for PFC Levski Sofia. The no nonsense defender made 13 appearances for Mumbai in the first season as Mumbai kept six clean sheets in the first season. Norde was able to secure a spot at Argentine club Boca Juniors and played for the reserve team. He made a good impression while playing for Mexican club San Luis FC’s B team, scoring eight goals and was named Bangladesh Premier League’s MVP of 2013–2014 when playing for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi. The striker has represented the Haiti national football team at both the youth and senior levels – his latest appearance coming in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last week. Norde was arguably the pick of the foreign players in last season’s I-League, scoring 11 goals in 25 appearances for the Champions Mohun Bagan. On being retained by Mumbai City FC, Cmovs said: “I’m extremely happy and excited to be back for Mumbai City FC for season two of the ISL. The fans never gave up last year and I want to ensure that we give them more victories to cheer for this season.” “I am extremely happy to have been signed for Mumbai City FC. I can’t wait to join my new team for the pre season training. The ISL is a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to helping Mumbai City FC achieve success,” Norde said. Mumbai start their campaign against FC Pune City on 5 October.