Luther Singh, an Indian-origin football player in South Africa has sparked interest in Spanish giants Read Madrid for his exploits in front of goal. According to reports, Singh’s impressive performance in the age group tournaments for the South African national team has resulted in attracting the interest from the 32 times Spanish champions. The club’s ‘B’ side has been tracking Singh in the recent years.
Singh had an impressive stats for scoring 5 goals in the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships. He won the tournament’s Golden Boot award. He also gave a boost to his performance this year by scoring four goals in the 2017 Africa Under- 20 Cup of Nations resulted in him winning the Golden Boot and South Africa finishing fourth.
The 19-year-old Singh, whose family migrated from Punjab, currently plays in Braga (Protugese Club) for their reserve team. Prior joining Braga, Singhplayed at Swedish second tier club GAIS Göteborg.
Having made his debut for South Africa’s national team in March, he could follow the footsteps of former Bafana Bafana star Benni McCarthy, who won the UEFA Champions league with Jose Mourihno’s Proto in 2004. Singh came through the ranks of well known Stars of Africa football academy
If the 11 time Champions League winner descent to make a move for him. Singh could be the first player ever of Indian decent to play for Los Blancos.
Singh’s agent, Farouk Khan, who is a pioneer of South African football, founded the Stars of Africa academy. He has a hand in the development of players like Tokelo Rantie, who played for Bournemouth and South African national team number one Itumeleng Khune
Singh is comfortable in playing anywhere across the front line. He can play as a winger, a central forward and number 10.
Real Madid’s ‘B’ side, which is known as the Castilla, is currently playing the third tier in Spanish football. Castilla signed two center-forwards in 2016/17. The team managed to score only 42 times in 33 matches this season, hence adding Singh to their squad will improve their strike force.
This season, Singh made four appearances for Braga B, scoring four goals in 276 minutes of action. But, due to international commitments, he has not able to feature in the club since 19th February. His last game for Braga B was against Varzim, which they won.
If Singh continues his current form, he could end up playing for some biggest clubs in Europe. The interest from Real Madrid, shows the high potential in him.
Even though Singh dons the colors of South Africa, it will be a matter of pride for Indian football fans to see a player of Indian roots playing for a gigantic club Real Madrid in the near future.
AMandeep
