Before the next season of India Super League (ISL 2024-25), Punjab FC announced the signings of the Croatian defender Ivan Novoselec and the Norwegian striker Mushaga Bakenga.
Novoselec appeared for the last time for the Tayikistan FC Istiklol flight club and helped them win the Tayikistan Superior League, while Bakenga played for the Chipriota Apollon Limassol FC first division team.
Talking about the firm, said Punjab FC technical director, said Nikolaos Topoliatis, “We have two very exciting and experienced players in our ranks for the season. Both players will help us take our game to the next level and will be crucial for our success in the season.”
“Ivan’s strength and defensive experience, combined with the scoring skills of tested goals in Mushaga, will even more strengthen our team and wish them the best for the next season.” Hey added.
Mushaga Bakenga career
Bakenga, 31, was born in Trondheim, Norway and began his football career with SK Nationalkamerene in his hometown. It was prolific in his youth career, averaging 50 goals per season and these actions linked him to the interest of European heavyweights such as Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
He signed with the Norwegian Club of High level Rosenberg BK in 2007 at the age of 15 and made his debut for them in 2009 to only 17 years of age, against Tromso. He joined the Brugge club in Belgium in 2012 and was lent to Calle Brugge, Esbejerb, Eintracht Braunschweig and molding his mandate with the Belgian attire. He joined Rosenberg in 2017 and then represented Tromso, Ranheim, Odds Ballklubb and Stabaek in Norway.
He also had a period in Asia with the Japanese team Tokushima Vortis before playing for Apollon Limassol FC in the last season. He has scored 109 goals in 362 appearances in his career, including eight goals and four assists in the previous season.
Bakenga has represented Norway from the level of children under 15 to the Sub-21 level. He scored a hat-trick for the U19 team against Moldova U19 in April 2011. Later, in the same year, he made his debut for the Sub-21 team.
Ivan Novoselec’s career
Novoselec born in Varazdin, Croatia and the 29 -year -old who plays as a central defender began his professional career with NK Varazdin in his hometown before being signed by DNS Zavrc in Slovenia. Then they represented Lokomotiva Zagreb, NK Lucko, NK Varteks, NK Sracinec and Medimurje in Croatia with successful periods with all these clubs. He played for FC Koper in Slovenia before being signed by Tajik Club FC Istiklol.
