Independence Adds Two International Stars in Zahorski, Haminu
April 10, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC (April 10, 2015) - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of two additional players, both with extensive international experience, bringing the USL expansion team's roster up to 24. Polish forward Tomasz Zahorski and Ghanian winger Draman Haminu have agreed to terms and will remain with the Independence through the 2015 season.
Zahorski arrived in Charlotte just one week ago, after spending 2013 and 2014 with NASL side the San Antonio Scorpions. The forward tallied 15 goals in two seasons and helped lead the Scorpions to victory in the 2014 NASL Championship.
"I was looking for some club to make another challenge for me," Zahorski said of the Independence. "I went out to practice and see a very good, young group. All of the coaches are very professional and have lots of experience, I see that. So I think this is a really good place to play and place to live too. Hopefully I can help on the field for this team to take some wins."
A native of Olsztyn, Poland, Zahorski has spent the majority of his career playing in the country's professional leagues, including five years with Gî"rnik Zabrze. He appeared in 95 games for the club, scoring 23 goals. Zahorksi tallied an additional nine goals in the Polish Cup and four goals in the League Cup. He was called up to the Polish National Team in 2007, and by the end of the 2008 season had scored 10 goals. In 2012, Zahorski left Zabre to move to German 2. Bundesliga club MSV Duisburg, and one year later he left Europe to sign with the Scorpions.
"Zahorski adds another strong weapon to our attacking arsenal," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "He is a strong finisher, capable with either foot and his head, and is able to play as a target and combine with others. He brings an excellent track record of scoring, including recent success in the NASL."
Haminu also is a player who has had much success at the international level. He is best known for scoring the second goal in Ghana's 2-1 FIFA World Cup victory over the United States in 2006, knocking the red, white and blue out of the tournament. Haminu began his European career in 2005, signing for Serbian side Red Star Belgrade before making Ghana's World Cup squad. He eventually signed for Turkish side Genclerbirligi, where he made 31 league appearances, and then Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia, which also included a brief stint with FC Kuban Krasnodar. In 2011, Haminu signed a one-year contract with French Ligue 2 side AC Arles-Avignon. After leaving Arles Avignon, the winger signed a two-year contract with Portuguese club Gil Vicente FC on a free transfer.
"Charlotte is a great opportunity for me," said Haminu. "I've been a way for a couple of months since I terminated my contract from Portugal, so when I hear about the club I hear a whole lot of good things. I heard about plans for the club and for the future. When I go here, even though it's a lower division, playing with the guys you can see the level is a bit higher. For me there is no difference between MLS or USL. It just happen to be at the level. But I can tell you we have great players and good guys. I'm here to help the team."
Haminu has been trialing with the Independence for about three weeks now, and has made a good impression on the coaching staff and his teammates. "Draman is an experienced international player," said Jeffries. "As an attacking player he displays physicality and athleticism in addition to clever technical ideas. He is an exciting player, capable of pulling off jaw dropping plays."
The Independence is on a bye this week, giving both Zahorski and Haminu ample time to settle in and get comfortable with their new squad. They also will have an opportunity to scrimmage with Davidson College on Tuesday, April 14 before returning to league competition. The Independence next face the Kickers in Richmond on Saturday, April 18. The game will be streamed live on YouTube.
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