I-League: A second chance or homecoming - Players who have returned for a second spell

Jewel Raja (Dempo)

Jewel Raja (left) Photo Credit: AIFF Media

The India international’s first I-League club was Dempo, whom he joined in 2008 after excelling for India’s age-group teams. But Jewel was only a teenager back then and with Dempo’s midfield packed with India team players and foreigners like Beto and Ogba Kalu Nnanna, the central medio made very few I-League appearances for the Goan giants. He mostly played in the Goa League and then moved to Indian Arrows in 2010. Jewel was one of the best players for AIFF’s developmental side in their debut season and that earned him a big money move to Mohun Bagan.

Despite spending two years with the Mariners, Jewel couldn’t properly play to his potential as he was often played out of position but the 23-year-old now has the perfect opportunity to become an I-League star at Dempo under Australian coach Arthur Papas, who has a reputation of getting the best out of talented youngsters.