The Highlanders are pleased to announce the first signing of 2019, Goteh Ntignee, pending USL League Two and BC Soccer approval. Ntignee, a forward, marks the first addition to Thomas Niendorf’s 2019 USL League Two squad.
Goteh Ntignee boasts an impressive soccer resume at the age of 16, having already won silverware and having gained experience with the Canadian National Program. He also represents the first signing of the year off Niendorf’s Pacific Elite Soccer Institute.
“Goteh is a very talented young player,” said Niendorf. “He has had a great season in the VISL and has been a real standout this year. He elevated his game in crucial moments throughout the season.”
The agile forward is coming off a Sir John Jackson Cup win with Niendorf’s Westcastle United of the Vancouver Island Soccer League in Division 1. Ntignee scored the eventual game winner in a 3-1 win over Bays United Liquor Plus and walked away with the Denny Girvin Memorial Award for Game MVP. The Kpomassè, Benin native finished his VISL season with 10 goals and capped it off as a finalist for the Ivy Lucas Trophy – awarded to the Rookie of the Year in VISL Div 1.
“Goteh plays the game with really good natural instincts. He’s extremely quick, he’s powerful, he has a great work rate, and he is a constant goal threat,” added Niendorf. “Even as a young player he can have a real impact for us. We are excited to have a young, talented player like him be apart of the Highlanders for the season and really looking forward to seeing his impact on the next level.”
Ntignee’s experience includes a spell with the Canadian Program, having been invited to participate in the U-15 National ID Camp in 2017. His time at the camp included the opportunity to be a part of the U-15 National Showcase as a part of the Canada U-15 select team.