Valour Adds Former Forge, TFC2 Defender Klaidi Cela

Winnipeg’s Valour FC has pivoted quickly following the confirmation that defender Matthew Chandler was sidelined indefinitely, with the club now adding centre-back Klaidi Cela.

As reported by Ed Tait, the defender answered a call from the club and was ready to pack his bags as soon as the opportunity opened.

“It all transpired in 24 hours,” revealed Cela to Tait. “I got a phone call Monday morning from my agent saying ‘A spot has opened on Valour. Are you ready to go?’ I said, ‘hey, if you need me there in five hours or whatever it is to play a game, I’m there in five hours. I’m ready to go.'”

The 23-year-old is no stranger to the league, having suited up for Forge FC 18 times throughout the club’s first three seasons. His second season in orange would see him suffer a season-ending knee injury, though he returned on a short-term deal in 2021 before signing with Toronto FC 2 the following year.

Cela had most recently featured for the Vaughan Azzurri, playing a full ninety minutes in the club’s Canadian Championship defeat against CF Montreal. Dos Santos described him as a player who can ‘hit the ground running’, and that’s something we expect to see tested starting with the club’s away trip Cavalry this weekend.

The club is still assessing Raphael Ohin’s injury, while Polisi, Mzoughi, and Haynes will miss out on the away trip.

Valour FC did not disclose the contract details regarding Cela.