Bengaluru FC have brought onboard Chennai City FC fullback Ajith Kumar on a three-year contract as a replacement for Nishu Kumar.
Hailing from Anna Nagar in Chennai, Ajith took an interest in football very early in his life . At the age of nine with his father’s guidance and support, he was enrolled into the CPWD Residence Football Academy and soon after, he was playing for the popular Disha Sports Academy.
Ajith then enrolled into the Madras Christian College (MCC) and helped them lift the South Zone title. During his time with MCC, Ajith partnered with ATK Mohun Bagan player Michael Soosairaj in midfield in the college team.
Kumar started playing regularly for Viva Chennai and Chennai United in the CFA Senior Division League when he heard Chennai City FC were conducting trials under Head Coach Akbar Nawas.
I wasn’t sure of making it as I had a hairline crack on my ankle. I thought of giving the selection a miss.
However, I attended it and did my best despite the discomfort I had. The trials went on for five days, with Akbar and (former Chief Scout) Jordi Gris overseeing the proceedings. It ended up being fruitful as Chennai City picked me and offered a contract.
In case I hadn’t gone for it, I would have been a Chartered Accountant.
Ajith Kumar
After joining CCFC, the 23-year-old left back was a significant cog in their 2018-19 I-League winning season and featured in all their matches. Last season, he made 14 appearances out of a possible 16 before the league was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ajith also played in the AFC Cup and AFC CL qualifiers during the season.
At BFC, the right-footed left back will replace another right-footed left back in Nishu Kumar who made a big money move to Kerala Blasters and is currently the highest paid Indian defender.
I am thrilled to have become a Bengaluru FC player.
This is a club I admire a lot and while I did have a few options to choose from, Bengaluru was top of that list at every stage of my decision making.
The chance to share a dressing with a legend like Sunil Chhetri who I hope to learn so much from, and so many of the national team boys is very exciting for me.
Ajith Kumar
Promising kid with a bright future, it was a great pleasure being with him as he is very coachable and a willing learner always wanting to improve his game.
I wish him all the best.
Akbar Nawas, Head Coach, Chennai City FC
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