December 4, 2024...Kembo Kibato returns to The Nine Stripes for 2025 (from York United FC website)

Kembo Kibato returns to The Nine Stripes for 2025

The midfielder joined the club in mid-September and enjoyed being back home.

MY KEM-ICAL ROMANCE

After enjoying a memorable homecoming in 2024, midfielder Kembo Kibato is back with The Nine Stripes for the forthcoming campaign.

Arriving in mid-September, the 24-year-old made five appearances overall, including starts in both playoff games against Pacific FC and Atletico Ottawa.

An adaptable signing, Kibato returned to his native city after a stint with Vancouver FC and hit the ground running, with a first start coming in a local derby with Forge FC where he deputised at left-back as the side dealt with an injury crisis. Developing a neat understanding with Shola Jimoh on the left flank, Kibato continued in the role for an away trip to Halifax before stepping into the more familiar territory of midfield for the crucial postseason assignments.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to the club," Kibato says.

"By my very second day, I was pretty close to everyone which I was pretty surprised about. It's a great group and that's what I've been so happy with. Everyone is close. Good players, good people. I think we have something really special. I've been so happy getting to come back home. Just to be able to see my family so often is incredible and also to be part of this group is special. It's a very strong group, pushing for success."

Prior to joining Vancouver FC, Kibato was a mainstay of the United Soccer League (USL) and enjoyed impressive stints with Hartford Athletic, FC Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley FC.

In total, he's made over 100 professional appearances, scoring three times.

Kibato came through Toronto FC’s academy system and cut his teeth in League1 Ontario with *North York Nitros*.

Rocket Robin corrects to *North Toronto Nitros*.

back to 2024 York United FC menu