Imphal: Neroca FC has appointed Spaniard Manuel Retamero Fraile as the head coach of the team for the Hero I-League 2018-19 season.

Introducing him to players and vice versa, the Neroca FC management also distributed team jerseys and kits to the players and officials at Imperial Hall of Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

Apart from maintaining some of its key senior players, including Singam Subash Singh, Odili Felix and Lalit Thapa, Neroca FC has added 11 new faces to its ranks.

Most of the players are in the under-22 category from local clubs, including Jerry Pulamte Onesemas, Ch. Roshan and N. Tondonba from KLASA Keinou, Golmei Dihempu Rongmei from Sagolband United, W. Brojen from AIM, H. Naocha from TRAU, Md. Abdul Salam from SSU Singjamei and T. Surjakanta from NISA Thangmeiband. Besides, there is Sebastian Thangmuansang from Chennai City FC, S. Ronald from ATK and A. Sushil from NEUFC.

Neroca FC had ended as runners-up in their debut performance in the Hero I-League last year. Fraile, thanking Neroca FC for the oppurtunity, said, "As the people of the state have great love for football, I will give my best shot not to let down the faith reposed in me. With collective work from all, we will deliver."