Wanderers sign local defender Jabu Deng

The Wanderers academy is starting to produce results, with 22-year old Halifax-native Jabu Deng inking a deal through the 2027 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, with a club option for 2028.

Deng, who played his youth football with Halifax City SC, joined the Wanderers development program in 2022 and featured in numerous matches in the International Summer Series in 2024 and 2025.

The defender also traveled to Maine for the Wanderers' international friendly with Portland Hearts of Pine last year.

“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,” said Deng in a press release on Friday.

“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 also spent five years with the Acadia Axemen, scoring six goals across his 53 appearances.

“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.”

Deng is the latest Nova Scotian to sign for their local club, joining Yorgos Gavas and Ben Marsch as the most recent contingent of Bluenosers.