I-League 2018-19: Chennai City sign goalkeeper Mauro Boerchio on loan from NEROCA FC

I-League leaders Chennai City FC have signed Italian goalkeeper Mauro Boerchio on loan from NEROCA FC for the remainder of the season.

Boerchio will also feature in the Super Cup for Chennai City with regular keeper Garcia Santana reportedly injured.

NEROCA confirmed the departure of their custodian on Twitter by posting:

"Thanks Mauro Boerchio! All the best for your future.

"Mauro will be joining the table leader Chennai City FC on loan for the remaining of the season and Super Cup! We wish him the best for the season ahead."

Chennai City's first-choice goalkeeper Santana suffered an injury in the game against NEROCA last week and had to be replaced by Kabir Thaufiq. The former South United goalkeeper Thaufiq had a horrible time under the bar, conceding three goals as Chennai City lost the plot to draw 3-3 with NEROCA.

Chennai had a three-goal lead at the half-time break thanks to a hat-trick by Pedro Manzi. However, the defence crumbled and they conceded through Felix Chidi, Chencho Gyeltshen and Aryn Williams to only settle for a point.

Chennai City are leading the I-League table with 34 points in 16 games, two more than second-placed Real Kashmir. East Bengal can mount a late title bid if they win their 2 games in hand and go level on points with Chennai City.

Chennai, who play Shillong Lajong next on Monday, February 18, do not want to see the title slip them in the last moment. They have a growing injury list with defender Roberto Eslava, Shem Marton Eugene, Charles Anandraj and Vijay Ponnurangam all injured.

Boerchio's signing from NEROCA is aimed at ensuring they are able to hold onto the lead in their last 4 games.

Boerchio, 29, has the experience of playing in Maldives (Maziya S&RC), Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar City), Vanuatu (Amicale) and Malta (Gzira United), apart from stints in Italian football. At 6 feet and 5 inches, he's a tall reliable goalkeeper who has made six appearances for NEROCA.

With Lalit Thapa in the fray, Boerchio last played for NEROCA in the 3-2 win over Indian Arrows on Feb 1.

Chennai City reserve goalkeeper Tenzin Samdup has also travelled to Shillong as a back-up.