Kathmandu: Dhangadhi FC has signed Brazilian winger Sergio Barboza for third Nepal Super League (NSL), a franchise football tournament, scheduled to kick off from March 29 at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar. 

Barboza has played age group football for Brazilian top tier side Flamengo along with professional and semi-professional football in eight countries. He has played for several Indian teams including Minerva Punjab FC, Delhi FC and Rajasthan United FC. 

Issuing a press statement on Saturday, Dhangadhi FC president Subash Shahi said: “We are extremely happy to welcome Sergio Barboza to our team. His experience and skills will strengthen our squad and provide an exciting football display for our supporters.”

Dhangadhi, the runners up in the last two editions, have already signed Spanish goalkeeper Walid Birrou, Moroccan midfielder Mohammed El Jaaouni, Nigerian star Olawale Afeez, and Lebanese star forward Ahmed Hijazi. Olowale and Hijazi had played for Dhangadhi in the previous season.

Dhangadhi have named Kritish Ratna Chhunju as their marquee player. Devendra Tamang, George Prince Karki, Pasang Lama, Bibek Paudel, Jiyarath Sheikh, Ranadeep Paudel, Ram Chandra Waji, Prashant Laksam, Rohan Khadka, Amrit Shrestha, Harish Raj Bhatt, Santosh Mahat, and Ashok Khawas are other players in the squad.

Earlier, Dhangadhi has announced the appointment of Spain’s Juan Manuel Martinez Saiz, UEFA pro license holder, as their head coach.

Dhangadhi has named Nepal’s international cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee as their brand ambassador.