Left-back Chhuantea and right-back Reagan, who have truckloads of experience under their belt, signed a one-year deal each with the twice ISL champion last Sunday. During a conversation with DT Next, the newly-recruited full-back combination outlined its plans for the challenging campaign ahead.

Having represented Mumbai City FC (MCFC), now-defunct FC Pune City (FCPC) and Odisha FC (OFC) in the competition, the colossal Chhuantea is keen to make the most out of his new adventure. “I am excited to be a part of the Chennaiyin family. I have a few friends who play for the club, so it will be a seamless transition,” said Chhuantea.

“I played with Karanjit Singh during my time at Punjab-based JCT in I-League. I shared the dressing room with Thoi Singh at Bengaluru FC (BFC),” added the 31-year-old. Although he is expected to go toe-to-toe with Jerry Lalrinzuala for the left-back slot in Csaba Laszlo’s starting eleven, Chhuantea expressed that he would be happy to help out his statemate.

“Jerry is a very good player. He is someone I know really well. He is young and has a bright future in front of him, for both club and country. Being a senior, I believe I can guide him the right way. Also, squad depth will be very important in ISL 7. We will need all hands on deck to push for success. And, I am ready for the challenge,” explained the Mizoram-based.

Chhuantea’s full-back partner Reagan, an ever-present for NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) in the past five editions, revealed that he moved to CFC to fulfil his dream. “Chennaiyin is the right place for me to win the ISL title. I look forward to learning from Laszlo and his coaching staff. I need to put in the hard work to reap the rewards,” he said.

Since the inaugural ISL season in 2014, CFC has been home to some terrific right-backs such as Harmanjot Khabra, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Inigo Calderon. Asked if he will be able to follow in their footsteps, 29-year-old Reagan responded: “Those are some great names. Yes, I do have full confidence that I can continue the good work in that position.”