After a career spanning MLS Next Pro and time in Algeria and Tunisia, Nassim Mekideche says he returns to the CPL a more mature player
Halifax's backline — to put it mildly — looked thin.
But on Friday, the Wanderers announced a brace of new defenders, including 24-year old Nassim Mekideche, to bolster their squad ahead of a desperate playoff push.
Mekideche is no stranger to the CPL. The Montréal-born centre-back previously played 10 matches for Valour FC in 2022, parlaying his strong showing into invitations to multiple MLS camps. He went on to sign for Sporting Kansas City's MLS Next Pro squad, making 21 appearances. However, Mekideche spent only one season with Sporting KC before heading back to Africa, where he began his professional career back in 2018.
Given Halifax's long list of sidelined defenders, Mekideche's return to Canada couldn't come at a better time for the Wanderers.
"When I spoke to (Patrice), he explained to me the project and I was in love with it. I said to myself, 'I want to play for the Halifax Wanderers.' And that's it," Mekideche told The Wanderers Notebook at training on Friday.
Although his signing coincides with centre-backs Dan Nimick and Cale Loughrey missing time due to suspension, not to mention injuries to Wesley Timoteo, Julian Dunn and Kareem Sow, Mekideche explained his signing was in the works for at least a month but was delayed due to paperwork.
Now, he looks to help a club fighting for its playoff chances and aims to contribute with his brazen style.
"There's only seven games left and it's all about details. We have a good team, we can play ball. I know we can make playoffs," he said. "My football is about passion. I give my heart, my blood, my sweat. I'm the type of defender who plays for the team and does the hard jobs. When I need to protect my players, I protect them. For me it's the most important thing."
Mekideche is the latest example of the Wanderers recruiting from the province of Québec, joining the likes of Sean Rea, Clément Bayiha, Zachary Fernandez and several others. Having familiar faces at training, he said, has made his transition seamless.
And although he has only been with the club for several days, it seems likely that supporters will get their first glimpse of the centre-back in short order as the Wanderers square off against Forge FC on Saturday.
When asked what fans can expect when he takes the pitch, Mekideche said he's a more mature and deliberate player than he was when he last played in the CPL.
"When I left the CPL and went to Kansas City, it was a great experience. I learned a lot, went to a different country and culture and enjoyed it very much. And then I was in Africa and it was very different from North America," he said.
"Now, I'm a more mature guy, a more experienced guy and I know I can control myself."
Despite being only 24, Mekideche has quite the professional resume, one of the reasons the Wanderers opted to sign him through to 2025 with a club option for 2026.
"I've watched him quite a bit. I watched him with Valour, I watched him in MLS Next Pro and I thought he was fantastic. We're excited to have him. We're not only planning for the rest of the year but also for next year," said head coach Patrice Gheisar during his pre-match availability. "This (signing) wasn't because of the suspensions. We did need a few more defenders."
The club also announced on Friday that they signed full-back David Mavakala to a development contract through the end of the 2024 CPL season.
Originally from Moncton, N.B., Mavakala played the past two seasons with CF Montréal's U-23 squad in Ligue1 Québec. He also played for Halifax's development team this summer and featured in the final International Summer Series match against Middlesbrough FC.
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Wanderers FC
