HFX Wanderers FC adds size in six-foot-five centre back Chakib Hocine

HALIFAX — HFX Wanderers FC have signed Canadian Chakib Hocine, a six-foot-five defender who played for Ekenas IF in Finland’s second tier most recently.

“I am looking for him to bring a certain level-headed leadership,” Wanderers coach Stephen Hart said in a statement. “We scouted him extensively. He is good in the air and comfortable on the ground.”

The 27-year-old Hocine was born in Algeria, but moved to Montreal with his family as a baby. He played for Mont-Royal Outremonts before joining the Montreal Impact academy.

He played with FC Montreal, the Impact reserves’ team, in 2015 alongside Wanderers first signing Zachary Sukunda.

Hocine is the sixth Wanderers signing, joining Jan-Michael Williams, Elton John, Akeem Garcia and Andre Rampersad — all from Trinidad and Tobago. The Canadian Premier League team also has U-Sports prospects Peter Schaale, Andre Bona and Christian Oxner.

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The Canadian Press