Wanderers Sign Congolese International Jason Bahamboula

The Halifax Wanderers are expanding on the French Connection, per se: Congolese forward Jason Bahamboula will join the side on a two-year contract with a club option for 2027.

The 23-year-old winger arrives to the Canadian east coast from Latvia’s top flight, where he tallied six goals and three assists for a Valmiera FC side which qualified for the Europa Conference League. In all, he made 31 appearances for the club since joining last year.

He’s the second French-speaking forward to sign with Halifax this week, coming in hot on the heels of Yohan Bai.

“We’ve looked to add some more dynamic attackers to supplement the core of our front line this off-season, with some variety in their style, and Jason adds flare and an ability to beat his opponent with excellent footwork,” explains Wanderers Sporting Director Matt Fegan.

The club’s new addition was born in Caen, France, developing through the youth ranks of his hometown Ligue1 side before signing in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes. After establishing himself in the reserve ranks, he made his Primeira Liga debut two years later but was limited to just one appearance with the side before his move to Latvia, where he became a regular feature.

“The project in Halifax fits exactly what I wanted for the next challenge in my career,” says Bahamboula, who is a dual-footed attacker. “I like the way that Patrice wants us to play, and I’m excited to help the team have a better season than last year and get into the playoffs.”

Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar, who favours an attacking mentality, says his new winger will contribute on both ends of the pitch, so he’ll be expected to aid the side when they’re out of possession and defending when he isn’t putting opposition to the sword.

Bahamboula has recently accepted the call to represent the Republic of the Congo, making his international debut against Gabon last spring and earning four caps overall.

The Halifax Wanderers have used all but one of their international roster spots with this week’s additions, with Lorenzo Callegari, Vitor Dias, Giorgio Probo, and club captain Andre Rampersad all returning from 2024.