HFX Wanderers 2025 Season Preview

The Halifax Wanderers are gearing up for the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season with significant roster changes and strategic moves. Here’s an overview of their current situation:

Roster Updates and Moves

Players Retained:
- Nine players have guaranteed contracts for 2025: Jefferson Alphonse, Nassim Mekideche, Kareem Sow (defenders); Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare, Giorgio Probo, Sean Rea, Vitor Dias, Camilo Vasconcelos (midfielders); and Tavio Ciccarelli (forward).
- The club exercised contract options for five additional players: Aiden Rushenas (goalkeeper), Wesley Timoteo (defender), Andre Rampersad (midfielder), Massimo Ferrin, and Ryan Telfer (forwards).
Departures:
- Contracts for Yann Fillion, Dan Nimick, Zachary Fernandez, and Lorenzo Callegari expired at the end of 2024. Negotiations are ongoing with Callegari for a potential return.
- Clement Bayiha’s loan from York United ended, and development permits for David Mavakala and Jamai Royer expired. Royer will join Akron University.
- The club declined options for Julian Dunn, Cale Loughrey, Riley Ferrazzo, Aidan Daniels, and Tomas Giraldo. Negotiations are underway with Dunn on a new deal.
New Arrivals:
- Thomas Meilleur-Giguère signed a two-year contract as the first new addition for 2025.
- Halifax selected defender Matthew Paiva and forward Joven Mann in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft; both will join the training camp.
Coaching Changes:
- Assistant coaches Jorden Feliciano and Jed Davies departed to pursue new opportunities.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

The Wanderers aim to improve their attacking play under coach Patrice Gheisar’s system by adding pace and verticality through new signings like Johan Bay and Jason Bahamulo.
Wide areas remain a concern due to a lack of proven fullbacks.
Young talents like Tiago Coimbra are expected to step up as key contributors this season.

Season Kickoff

The Wanderers will open their CPL campaign against Atlético Ottawa on April 5, 2025. Fans are optimistic about the team’s potential under Gheisar’s leadership, with hopes of translating “good vibes” into consistent performances on the pitch.