East Bengal on Friday announced the signings of former Indian Women’s League (IWL) champions Fazila Ikwaput, Shilky Devi and Payal Basude for the 2025-26 season.
All three players have joined the Red & Gold Brigade from Gokulam Kerala FC.
The addition of these three footballers showcases East Bengal FC’s intention of building a formidable team that can defend its domestic league double (the IWL and the CWFL) and compete at the highest level in Asia when it represents India at the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Ugandan national team forward Fazila was the top scorer in the previous two editions of the IWL. Currently the vice-captain of her nation, Fazila is all set to embark on her fourth season in Indian football.
The two-time IWL Golden Boot winner has netted 42 goals in the league and is the first Ugandan female footballer to play at the UEFA Women’s Champions League, when she represented the Kazakhstan club BIIK-Shymkent in 2018.
Midfielder Shilky and goalkeeper Payal, meanwhile, are key members of the senior Indian women’s national team.
A dynamic midfielder known for her vision and tenacity, India international Shilky is a regular starter for the Blue Tigresses.
She was adjudged the best midfielder of IWL 2024-25 for her incredible consistency throughout the league. In 2022, the Manipur-born player was the youngest player of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup at just 16.
Having risen through various national team age groups, Shilky played a vital role in helping India earn qualification into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia next year.
Hailing from Maharashtra, Payal is currently part of the senior Indian women’s team squad. The young goalkeeper has already gained decent experience of playing in the IWL, representing Odisha FC and Gokulam Kerala over the past few seasons.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com