Having made 59 appearances across all competitions, the 31-year-old Sabia is set to don the Chennaiyin blue for a fourth season. The centre-back made his CFC debut in ISL 2016 and is now in his second spell at the club, which began in 2018.

“I am delighted beyond words to continue my stay at Chennaiyin. The love that my family and I have received from the club, fans and the city of Chennai is unmatched,” said Sabia in a club statement. The overseas recruit was one of the key architects behind CFC’s run to the ISL 6 final, where the side lost 1-3 to title-winner ATK (now referred to as ATK Mohun Bagan).

“We have unfinished business from last season. We go again in the new season with renewed hope and determination to bring a third ISL title to Chennai,” he added. Welcoming back Sabia, the club’s co-owner Vita Dani said: “He is an embodiment of hard work, determination and consistency. He is a leader on and off the pitch. We are glad that he has extended his stay and we look forward to seeing him excel in the Chennaiyin blue.” 

Sabia is the second CFC player to have signed an extension, with his defensive partner Jerry Lalrinzuala putting pen to paper earlier this month.