The Halifax Wanderers have signed defender David Mavakala to a development contract for the 2024 Canadian Premier League Season.

From Moncton, New Brunswick, Mavakala joins the Wanderers after being a member of the CF Montréal academy. Over the past two seasons, he has played for CF Montréal U23 in League1 Quebec. In 2023, he was named the Soccer New Brunswick men’s player of the year.

“David is a young player with impressive athletic abilities and defensive skills who gained great experience while with CF Montreal,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “He brings great energy up and down the pitch which really fits the kind of player we look for in that position.”

A fullback capable of playing on both sides of the pitch, Mavakala joined the Wanderers Development Team in 2024 and featured in the International Summer Series. He started the final match of the series in Charlottetown, PEI, against Middlesbrough. 

“We’ve been pleased with David’s progress since his time with us around the U21s and more recently training regularly with the first team,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “He is a player who possesses excellent speed and versatility, with raw technical skills that can continue to be polished in this environment. Most importantly, David has a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and a first-class attitude which will hold him in good stead as he continues to develop.” 

League roster rules allow clubs to sign up to four development permits with Canadian U-18 players (born Jan. 1, 2006, or later). Development players can appear in up to eight matches in a season.

In recent years, the Wanderers have provided opportunities for young Canadian players to develop in a professional environment. In 2023, the Wanderers signed four players to development contracts: Kimani Stewart-Baynes (now with Colorado Rapids, MLS), Ethan Schilte-Brown (Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership), Yorgos Gavas (Drexel University, NCAA) and Camilo Vasconcelos (Halifax Wanderers first team). Gavas signed an additional development contract in 2024 before joining Drexel for the fall season. 

Additionally, Mavakala is one of several players who earned first-team contracts with the Wanderers after first playing for the Development Team. Past examples include Aiden Rushenas, Daniel Clarke, Yorgos Gavas, Jefferson Alphonse and Camilo Vasconcelos. 

Full Name: David Mavakala

Age: 18

Position: Defender

Height: 5’7”

Birth Date: February 24, 2006

Birthplace: Kinshasa, DR Congo

Nationality: Canada/DR Congo

Last Club: CF Montreal U23 (League1 Quebec)