“I came to help Chennaiyin FC return to the top level”, says new signing Vafa Hakhamaneshi

Chennaiyin FC have added a horde of new foreign signings along with a new foreign head coach. Their signings have caught the eyes of many people  in Indian football and some people feel that they can compete for the title once again. Chennaiyin’s Asian signing Vafa Hakhamaneshi believes that the Marina Machans will be back in title contention in the Indian Super League after two years of dry spell.

The 2-times champions will be looking to rejuvenate themselves in the upcoming season having not made the playoffs in the last couple of seasons. But with new head coach Thomas Brdaric and the new signings the Marina Machans are greatly placed as one of the most fearsome outfits heading into the next season.

Hakhamaneshi, who has played seven seasons in the Iranian top division, comes to India with the intention of taking up a new challenge. He shared how he researched about the club on the internet and only saw good things about them.

“For the first time, a club called me to come here. I searched for Chennaiyin FC on the internet, I saw good stories, good fans and [that they are] two-time champions in the Indian Super League. I came to help the team come back to the top level,” Hakhamaneshi said in an interview with Sportskeeda.

He shares how the ISL only has 11 teams but they are all top teams unlike the Iranian League where not all of the teams are competitive. He also pointed out how the Iranian League does ot have much recovery time in between matches and that makes it very hard.

“Only 11 teams play [in the Hero ISL] but they are top teams. In Iran, one team will come to the Super League but won’t be at a good level. Out of 16 teams, only 12 teams may be good quality,” the Iranian highlighted.

“The Iranian league is so hard because there’s very little time between games. You won’t have time for a good recovery, to change tactics. In India, I think you have time before the next game to change your mind and tactics, to recover,” he added

Hakhamaneshi who started his career at Iran’s Sepahan, has also plied his trade for teams like Naft Tehran and Foolad. He became the Iranian champion with Foolad back in the 2013-14 season. He has been a journeyman in the Iranian League having played for teams like Fajr Sepasi, Khooneh, Sanat Naft, etc. Apart from these clubs he has also featured for famous Iranian outfit, Tractor before moving out of Iran to join Thai outfit Ratchaburi FC in 2021.

The 31-year-old centre back is experienced and has featured in the AFC Champions League and will be looking to play a major role in Thomas Brdaric’s system as he plans to revive the club and bring them back to their best in the upcoming season.