Pacific FC Brings Back Dada-Luke and Mukumbilwa

January 11, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Pacific FC News Release

Langford, BC – Pacific FC today announced the return of right back Kunle Dada-Luke as the club exercises his 2024 option. A crowd favourite for his stature and physical play, Dada-Luke has been a mainstay on the backline since he joined the Island’s club in 2021.

“Kunle has a big energy and has become a pillar in our identity,” said James Merriman, Head Coach, Pacific FC “He’s an incredibly dynamic fullback that can quickly create attacks in transition, he continues to develop in his position and has big ambition.”

Dada-Luke played in 32 matches in the 2023 season for a total of 2,598 minutes. Raised in Mississauga, Dada-Luke, 23, holds Canadian and Nigerian citizenship. His youth career in League One Ontario included stints with Toronto FC II and III, and he played internationally for Danish club FC Helsingør. His CPL career began with Atlético Ottawa in 2020.

Dada-Luke faced adversity late last season with a head injury in a heated match against Forge FC. He recovered quickly and was back wearing his signature headband, a look that is copied by many of his fans at Starlight Stadium.

Dada-Luke will be joined on the backline by Georges Mukumbilwa, who’s continuing contract was announced at the mid-point last season. Mukumbilwa, 24, crossed the Salish Sea to the Island from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC development academy at the beginning last season and completed his first year with the Tridents with 1,986 minutes of play.

With his family, Mukumbilwa fled civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo moving to Winnipeg at age 13. He later left Manitoba for Vancouver to train with the Whitecaps which led to Mukumbilwa signing an MLS Homegrown contract in 2019.

“Georges is an amazing character in our team with great humility and a consistent relentless work rate in the daily environment,” said Merriman. “With his ambition and potential, we believe his best football is right in front of him.”

Pacific FC’s backline remains strong heading into the 2024 season.

“Kunle and Georges are two of the most dynamic and versatile fullbacks in the Canadian Premier League,” said Merriman.

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