Pacific FC Keeps Kunle Dada-Luke

Pacific FC has confirmed the return of full-back Kunle Dada-Luke, who appears to have been signed to a two-year deal in 2021.

The 22-year-old initially arrived as a relative unknown after the former Atletico Ottawa prospect missed out on the 2020 CPL campaign through injury, telling us at the time that he was ready for a reset with Pacific.

“I know what Pacific FC expects from me going forward,” he told us upon signing, “I know we have  a good game plan with the preseason coming up and I feel like when the time comes I will prove myself and show people what I’m capable of.”

Dada-Luke would make a strong case for himself last season, making 23 appearances and providing several blistering runs down the right flank. He contributed two assists in that time, and his never-say-die attitude led to a extra time goal in the club’s 2-1 semi-final playoff win over Cavalry FC en route to a North Star Shield-winning finale.

With Dada-Luke’s stock having risen significantly following a sharp campaign, it’ll be interesting to see how the youngster follows up with the increased expectation.

Prior to landing in the CPL, Dada-Luke made 25 appearances for TFC III before making the jump to Toronto FC II in 2018, eventually making five appearances for Toronto FC’s USL affiliate.

In 2019, he moved abroad to sign with Danish second division side FC Helsingor, but never ended up making his debut for the team.

The right-sided full-back also made two appearances for Canada the 2017 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Panama.

The Tridents have now confirmed six returning players ahead of the 2022 CPL season, with recent suggestion that Amer Didic will also be joining the side.

It is unclear if Dada-Luke’s current contract includes options beyond the current season.