The NAIT Ooks men's soccer team is proud to announce the signings of Ivan Hirankunda, Carson Janzen, Ousman Maneshe, and Peter Jones for the 2020 season. 

Ivan Hirankunda

Ivan is a local player who has grown up playing soccer with Xtreme, Edmonton Strikers, St.Albert Impact, and Drillers FC. He is currently playing with the FC Edmonton U20's in the Alberta Major Soccer League (AMSL) and has been part of their Academy since he was in Grade 7. Hirankunda also has international experience playing for the Canada U15 national team at the CONCACAF youth tournament.

"We are thrilled Ivan has committed to NAIT. We look forward to working with him as he continues his journey both academically and athletically. We have been fortunate over the years to have had some very talented goalkeepers, adding Ivan to that list will make us stronger," said head coach Charles O'Toole

Carson Janzen 

Through his youth career, Carson played with the Spruce Grove Saints, before moving to the Edmonton Drillers and then Edmonton Strikers. He then played with Sherwood Park Phoenix, where he competed at the Club Nationals in 2015. Carson's talent was recognized early as he joined the FC Edmonton Academy at the U16 level. Today he remains with the FC Edmonton program playing in the AMSL with their U20's.

"Carson plays as a left-back and is an intelligent, composed player with a lot of pace to his game, who is not afraid to jump up into the attack. He brings another dimension to our style of play and will add strength to our defense. We look forward to working with Carson and helping him achieve his goals athletically and academically," said O'Toole

Ousman Maneshe

Ousman Maneshe is a game-changer. This young talented player brings to NAIT a skill set that very few players at his age possess. Growing up, he played with Xtreme FC, Victoria FC, and St.Albert Impact. He was a Provincial team player, where his talent was recognized at Nationals, and he was selected to Canada's U15 National Team Camp. Ousman was brought into the FC Edmonton Academy as a 14-year-old and has been part of their program for the past three years. He is now part of their U20's that compete in the AMSL.

"For such a young player, Ousman has a maturity beyond his years. He has pace, is creative, has a fantastic soccer sense and awareness, and can play in multiple positions, which makes him a very effective player. We are excited that Ousman has committed to NAIT and look forward to watching him develop as both a player and as a person, in both the athletic and academic areas of his career," said O'Toole

Peter Jones 

Peter is as steady and reliable a player as they come. His calm demeanor, combined with his competitiveness and talent, creates a sense of confidence among his teammates and a threat to opponents. Peter began his career with Xtreme FC then he moved to Victoria FC before joining the FC Edmonton Academy in 2017. He was part of the FC Edmonton squad that competed in the 2019 Super Cup NI in Ireland, which brings in Clubs from all around the globe.

"Peter is a talent. He is creative in possession with the ability to open up teams and also create a wall when the opposition is looking to threaten. Peter will solidify our midfield. With his skill set, he makes us a difficult team to break down and a threat going forward. We are excited to have Peter as part of our NAIT men's soccer program and are excited to see where his talent and his focus will take him athletically and academically," said O'Toole.

"We are thrilled to have these young talented players join the NAIT men's soccer program. They will allow us to be solid yet dynamic, creative, and mobile from back to front. We look forward to working with these young student-athletes and to the direction we will take in developing them as soccer players, and successful citizens within our community," said O'Toole.