Wanderers Sign Nova Scotian Defender Jabu Deng
CPL HFX Wanderers FC

Wanderers Sign Nova Scotian Defender Jabu Deng

Published on September 18, 2026 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
HFX Wanderers FC News Release


Halifax Wanderers defender Jabu Deng
Halifax Wanderers defender Jabu Deng
(HFX Wanderers FC)

Halifax, NS - The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian defender Jabu Deng to a contract through the 2027 Canadian Premier League season with a club option for 2028. From Halifax, Deng signs with the Wanderers after spending time in the club's Development Team program.

"Jabu has earned this opportunity after his time with the U21s, and we believe he can come in and contribute with the first team," Wanderers head coach Vanni Sartini said. "He's a really solid defender who can play any position on the back line as he has a great combination of speed, size and calmness on the ball. It's a huge credit to the work Jed (Davies) has been doing with the U21 team and the academy to see a local player from Halifax sign with the Wanderers."

From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Deng played his youth soccer at Halifax City SC before committing to Acadia University. He spent the past five years with the Axemen, making 53 appearances and scoring six goals.

Deng started playing with the Halifax Wanderers Development Team in the summer of 2022, featuring in numerous matches including the International Summer Series in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, he was called up to the first team for a friendly against Portland Hearts of Pine and started the match for the Wanderers.

"Very few players in the CPL can read danger and recover to stop it in the way Jabu can," Wanderers head of youth development Jed Davies said. "I'll always remember a recovery run Jabu made to prevent a goal against Ipswich Town in 2024, where, in a fraction of a second, he made the decision to rise to that moment. His signing is evidence for any young player in Atlantic Canada that they can reach this level too."

This past summer, Deng was a key member of the Suburban FC squad that captured the Nova Scotia Senior Men's AAA provincial championship, scoring in the championship match.

Deng is the latest Nova Scotian to earn a contract with his hometown club, following in the footsteps of local products including Christian Oxner, Scott Firth, Kieran Baskett, Yorgos Gavas and Ben Marsh.

"It's surreal, to be honest, and it hasn't really set in, but I know it's a big deal to be a local player and sign with the Wanderers... it feels amazing," Deng said. "I really enjoy my time at the club, and the squad has been so welcoming. I'm just going to take it day by day and try to impress, and each day try to come in and learn from being in this environment."

Deng is available for selection when the Wanderers host Inter Toronto FC on Sunday, Sept. 20. Tickets are available at hfxwanderersfc.ca/tickets

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Halifax Wanderers defender Jabu Deng
Halifax Wanderers defender Jabu Deng
   



Canadian Premier League Stories from September 18, 2026


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