Indian football fans wanted a statement signing and Inter Kashi provided them with one. No one in their wildest dreams expected the transfer of Joni Kauko to Inter Kashi from the Mariners, however, the team from Kashi pulled that off. The fans are perplexed as this transfer has happened between the ISL champions and a club that is trying for a promotion to the first division. The Finnish midfielder, who had represented his country in the 2020 Euros, was instrumental in the success of Mohun Bagan in the ISL.
According to the reports, Antonio Habas, the former coach of Mohun Bagan and an ISL champion, played an instrumental role in convincing the Finnish player to join Inter Kashi. The veteran coach Habaz is known for building champion teams and Inter Kashi management is expecting the same amount of success from him. After Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC left for Indian Super League, the I-league is now a three-horse race with Gokulam Kerala and Sreenidi Deccan competing with Inter Kashi to win the title and secure a promotion.
Hailing from Turku, Finland, the midfielder’s football journey began his youth career with Inter Turku and started his senior career in 2008. He played 121 matches for Inter Turku, scoring 13 times and assisting 5 times. After spending one season with FC Lahti, Kauko left for Germany where he signed for FSV Frankfurt and played in the second division Bundesliga. He gained valuable experience from the German side and after spending two seasons with Frankfurt, he spent one season with a third division side.
Joni also had stints in the Netherlands and Denmark, before joining the Mohun Bagan. He made his senior debut for Finland in 2012 before playing for the country’s youth sides. At Kolkata, he redefined his career. Along with the role of a central midfielder, he contributed to the attacking front as well, with 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 matches. However, due to injuries, he couldn’t a large portion of matches in the 2022-2023 season.
Inter Kashi aims to leverage his leadership qualities and his defensive prowess. The Finnish midfielder’s Euro experience is undoubtedly a major coup for Inter Kashi. His experience in playing high-intensity matches against top European teams will definitely help the team in crunch moments. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game, create chances, and contribute defensively makes him a player to watch out for.
Sreenidi Deccan and Gokulam Kerala FC will be observing these developments keenly as both teams are yet to complete their foreign quota. To match with Antonio Habas and Joni Kauko, both the teams need to invest and recruit top foreigners. With a player of Kauko’s caliber in their ranks, Inter Kashi has significantly enhanced their chances of achieving these goals.
