Kamptee’s Asheer shining in ISL

 

 NorthEast United extends Asheer’s contract for a year

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 15, 2024

THEY could not let him go. Asheer Akhtar, who gallantly saved NorthEast United’s fortunes in the last edition’s Indian Super League, has been retained by the franchise for another year after the defender showed immense maturity and talent to bail his side out of
the pit.
“My contract has been extended for another year. Last year, I joined NorthEast United from Sreenidi Deccan FC. I think I have impressed NE United mamagement,” said Asheer while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from Guwahati on Monday.
Asheer, son of former City Police footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, has become a pillar of strength of NorthEast United in the country’s most popular league --ISL.
After the defender signed the north-eastern side last year, the team has progressed a lot with Asheer manning the defence line.
The sturdy defender became the ‘Wall’ for NE United and helped the side concede less number of goals to see the team finish at the seventh spot. Last season, NorthEast United played 22 matches and won six, drew eight and lost eight.
Asheer made it to the playing XI on 19 occasions and also scored a goal against Bengaluru FC and won two Hero of the match awards.
“Last year we missed the play-offs by one point and finished seventh but this year we are determined to make it to top six first, and then target the semis,” said the 29-year-old defender who also helped NorthEast United reach Durand Cup semis last year.
Asheer has been playing professionally since 2010. He joined SAIL Football Academy Bokaro and stayed there for two seasons. He spent a couple of seasons in Nagpur playing for Rabbani Club, Kamptee and then again moved to Pune FC Under-19 team. He shifted to Kashmir in 2014 to play second division and then played the Goa League in 2015.
In 2016, Asheer played I-League for Mumbai FC and then joined Bengaluru FC for another couple of years 2018-19). He then moved to East Bengal and then Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata before moving to Sreenidi Deccan Football Club in 2022.
“I started playing as a forward in school (MM Rabbani) and Rabbani Club. But when I moved to Pune, the coached as me to play as a defender. Since then I am playing as a right back,” said Asheer.
Asheer wants Nagpur players to stay calm and have patience.
“Nagpur has immense talent in football. The players need to be patient in their approach and should continue their hard work. One day they will also be able to play for big clubs,” concluded Asheer, who was part of the Hero ISL-winning squad with Bengaluru FC in the 2018-19 season.