The Halifax Wanderers Football Club has signed Canadian striker Ludwig Kodjo Amla to a contract through the 2023 season with a club option in 2024.

Kodjo-Amla, 21, was born in Denmark but spent most of his development years in Quebec before playing professionally for FK Makedonija Gorče Petrov in the Macedonian top flight in 2021. After returning from a stint in Europe, Amla started the 2022 season with CS St-Hubert in the Première ligue de soccer du Québec.

An exciting young striker, Amla was St-Hubert’s leading scorer so far in 2022, scoring a hat-trick in his last PLSQ match.

“Ludwig is another young Canadian talent we have monitored for a couple of years,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “He combines pace, height and finishing, qualities we have wanted to add to our squad this summer.

“At just 21, he has already challenged himself overseas in a tough league which is always a good test of character. He arrives as a young striker, hungry to show he has what it takes to succeed in the CPL, and that desire is exactly what we need in our playoff hunt.”

After trialling with the Wanderers for the past couple of weeks, Amla rejoined St-Hubert for their recent match in Halifax against Wanderers U23. He scored twice in a 3-2 victory for his former club.

“He’s a striker that gives us something completely different; he’s excellent in the air, has a lot of pace, and adds another dimension to our attack,” Wanderers head coach Stephen Hart said. “We’ve had him here for several training sessions to get an idea of his mentality, what he’s like in the room, and he’s been great.”

After taking in the Wanderers’ July 23 home match against FC Edmonton, Kodjo-Amla says he’s excited for the chance to take to the pitch at the Wanderers Grounds.

“When I came to watch the game I saw the fans and I was thinking ‘wow, I want that to be me (out there)’,” Kodjo-Amla said. “Halifax has a big fan base so I’m excited to be a part of this team and play for these fans.”

Now ready to prove himself in the CPL, Kodjo-Amla says he likes to use his size to his advantage and be a target in the box for his teammates.

“I like to take up as much space as I can and I’m good in the air because of my height so I like to make those runs to receive the ball and score goals.”

Kodjo-Amla is eligible for selection ahead of the Wanderers match on Aug.1 against York United FC. Tickets are still available by clicking HERE.

Full Name: Kodjo Mavunio Ludwig Amla

Age: 21

Position: Striker

Height: 6’4

Birth Date: November 13, 2000

Birthplace: Skjern, Denmark

Nationality: Canadian/Danish/Togolese

Last Club: CS St-Hubert

Pronunciation: LOOD-vig AHM-la

Jersey number: 25