September 13, 2024...Vancouver FC acquires Ricci, York United FC acquires Kibato in roster freeze deadline swap (from canpl.ca)

Vancouver FC acquires Ricci, York United FC acquires Kibato in roster freeze deadline swap
2024-09-13
by CanPL.ca Staff

In a last-minute player swap on the cusp of the Canadian Premier League’s 2024 roster freeze deadline on Friday afternoon, Vancouver FC acquired Canadian forward Austin Ricci from York United FC, while the Nine Stripes added local midfielder Kembo Kibato to their lineup.

The swap was officially announced on Friday night, shortly before kickoff at York Lions Stadium, where the Nine Stripes faced off against Valour FC. The transfers were finalized prior to the CPL’s 2024 roster freeze deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Friday.

Ricci’s new agreement with Vancouver is guaranteed through the 2024 season, while Kibato’s contract with the Nine Stripes runs through 2025.

Vancouver becomes Ricci’s third stop on the CPL circuit, having previously represented York United and Valour. He has made 84 appearances for CPL clubs all-time and brings valuable veteran experience, as well as quality and sharpness in the danger area, to a VFC side looking to clinch its first playoff berth in its sophomore season.

Ricci will join another recent addition to head coach Afshin Ghotbi’s roster, Ayman Sellouf, in attack for Vancouver. After filling a need in midfield by bringing in Sellouf on loan from Pacific FC last month, VFC now has a target man to complement him in Ricci.

“We are excited to bring Austin Ricci to our selection for our final push towards the playoffs,” said Ghotbi. “Timing is a key factor in the football world and we were able to secure the right pieces with Sellouf and now Ricci heading into this last drive for postseason action.”

Kibato, meanwhile, returns to his hometown club in North York, Ont., where he joins a side that was sitting in third place in the CPL standings going into Matchweek 23 play on Friday. Kibato came through Toronto FC’s academy system and cut his teeth in League1 Ontario with North York Nitros. He has since made more than 100 professional appearances between the CPL and the United Soccer League (USL), including 10 with Vancouver in 2024, scoring three times.

“We are extremely excited to get this deal done and bring Kembo back home,” says Ricardo Pasquel, General Manager and President of York United FC.

“With the season reaching such a crucial time, we need spirit, character and mental resilience to ensure we reach our goals. Kembo boasts all those characteristics, along with a great skillset. He will contribute hugely in this final stanza and I’m sure he will enjoy getting to play regularly in front of friends and family.”

All CPL clubs’ rosters are now frozen through the end of the 2024 season. Clubs are no longer able to sign additional players to their master rosters, except in the case of extreme hardship, as approved by the League. Clubs may still release players after Friday’s roster freeze deadline. More information on the CPL’s roster rules and regulations can be found here.

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