Forge Adds Belgian Forward Beni Badibanga

Can Badibanga help bang them in? Forge is banking on it.

The three-time Canadian Premier League champions announced the signing of Belgian-Costa Rican forward Beni Badibanga today, with the 27-year-old having most recently played with Belgian third division with RAAL La Louiviere.

“We are very happy to welcome Beni to our club,” stated Forge boss Bobby Smyrniotis. “He is a quality player who brings over high level experience and will strengthen an already solid attacking group as we head into the back half of our season.”

Last season saw Badibanga contribute nine goals in 23 appearances. His professional career began with Standard Liege in the top flight, with Badibanga making 36 appearances for the club between 2015-2018, with loan spells to Roda JC Kerkrade and Lierse also taking place during this time.

Following his spell with Standard Liege, Beni spent three seasons with SK Beveren before a short stint with Excel Mouscron preceded a stint in Morocco with Raja CA and a return to Belgium with Louiviere.

Having also represented the Belgian U-19 and U-21 national teams, Badibanga is an intriguing pickup for the three-time champions. They’ve had successful dips into the international market before, so the expectations will be high for Badibanga – though he’s arriving from the semi-pro circuit.

Something like that never slowed down the likes of 2022 CPL MVP Ollie Bassett when he first stepped into the CPL, however.

The signing of the 5’7 forward marks Forge FC’s first foray into the midseason transfer market. The club did not disclose the length or financial details of Beni’s contract.