ISL 2022-23: Hyderabad FC extends contract of Sahil Tavora; Bengaluru FC hands extension to Leon Augustine and Namgyal Bhutia

Hyderabad FC have extended the contract of their midfielder Sahil Tavora by two years and he will stay at the club till the end of the 2024 season, the club announced on Tuesday. Tavora played an instrumental role in taking Hyderabad FC to glory in the previous season of the tournament.

The 26-year-old from Panaji had scored the equalizer against Kerala Blasters in the 88th minute in the final of the tournament back in March, which helped his team take the game into extra time. Hyderabad then won their maiden title on penalties as their goalkeeper Laxmikanth Kattimani was superb in between the sticks.

The midfielder played 19 matches in the previous season for Hyderabad and scored a goal and also provided an assist.

Tavora revealed the reason to extend his contract, “The progress the team as a whole and I as a player have made over the last two years under Coach Manolo Marquez was a major factor in me deciding to extend my contract here.”

Manuel Marquez said, “Tavora is a crucial player in our squad. But more importantly, he is a player who every coach wants to train. He is technically good, is very strong in duels, can shoot from distance, and is also a leader in the squad, on and off the pitch.”

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC has extended the contracts of winger Leon Augustine and wing-back Namgyal Bhutia. The Blues have extended Leon Augustine’s contract by two years whereas Bhutia has been given an extension of three years.

Both of these players are delighted to renew their contracts and are looking forward to giving their best to the club.

“I’m really happy to sign on with Bengaluru FC because this is a club that gave me an opportunity and helped me develop as a footballer since I was 18 years old. The last season did not go according to plan for me, as I was struggling with injuries, but I am really looking forward to next season and to playing a bigger role for the team,” said Leon.

“Being a part of the BFC family is a matter of great joy for me, and I am happy with how much I’ve improved as a player during my time here. I am really glad to have signed a new deal with the club, and look forward to contributing more to the first team in the coming seasons,” said Bhutia.