The headband has been a sporting accessory of choice from Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson and Bjorn Borg to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Pascal Siakam. The man who brought headband chic to the Canadian Premier League, Kunle Dada-Luke, has re-signed for his fourth season with Pacific FC.
The KDL 13 bands can even be seen rocking heads in the stands at Starlight Stadium, with cheers of “Dada-Luuuuke” ringing out as the energetic defender with the box-to-box game has become a fan favourite and signature player. Right-back is only a position to Dada-Luke as he has a non-stop motor that carries him all over the pitch.
“Kunle has a big energy and has become a pillar in our identity,” Pacific FC head coach James Merriman said in a statement.
“He is an incredibly dynamic fullback that can quickly create attacks in transition. He continues to develop and has big ambition.”
Dada-Luke overcame a head injury last season in a rivalry game against four-time CPL playoff-champion Forge FC of Hamilton and made 32 appearances across all competitions in 2023.
Dada-Luke will again combine on the back line with also re-signed Georges Mukumbilwa. The 24-year-old former Vancouver Whitecaps MLS defender was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but raised in a refugee camp in Rwanda before coming to Manitoba at age 13. Mukumbilwa has represented sa国际传媒 at the Under-18 level and will be entering his third season with PFC.
“Georges is an amazing character in our team with great humility and a consistent relentless work rate,” said Merriman.
“With his ambition and potential, we believe his best football is right in front of him.”
The best teams build from the back out.
“Kunle and Georges are two of the most dynamic and versatile fullbacks in the Canadian Premier League,” said Merriman.
