Montevideo, Jan 10 (IANS): Tragedy-hit Brazilian football club Chapecoense have announced four new signings as they step up preparations for the new season.
The Brazilian first division club on Monday confirmed the arrivals of midfielder Andrei Girotto from Kyoto Sanga, forward Osman from Luverdense, centre-back Luiz Otavio from Luverdense and goalkeeper Elias from Juventude, reports Xinhua news agency.
Chapecoense are building a new squad from almost scratch after 19 of their players died in a plane crash in Colombia on November 28. Seventy one people perished in the accident, which left just six survivors.
The tragedy occurred just two days before Chapecoense were due to play in the Copa Sudamericana final against Colombia's Atletico Nacional.
The Brazilian team were last month awarded the title at the request of Atletico Nacional, meaning they automatically qualify for this year's Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.