STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of midfielder Mukwelle Akale to its 2022 USL League One roster, pending league and federation approval.
“Kwelle has trained very well in our environment over the last week. Having spent all of his professional career in Europe, the lad is motivated to make a splash in the USL landscape and he’ll be involved straight away.”
Ian Cameron, Tormenta FC Head Coach
Akale returns to the United States to play professionally for the first time in the country after seven years in Spain and Cyprus, playing with Villarreal Club de Fútbol’s U19, C, and B teams and with Pafos FC of the Protathlima Cyta, the First Division of men’s soccer in Cyprus.
Akale brings European experience to Tormenta FC, having played through the youth ranks of Villarreal CF from 2014-2020. Akale made his first team debut for Villarreal in 2016 after coming on in the 61st minute of Villarreal’s 3-2 friendly loss to Leganés.
In 2020, Akale signed with Pafos FC, appearing six times for the Cyprus side after only spending a year with Pafos.
Before joining Villarreal, the Minneapolis, Minnesota, native started his soccer career with the Minnesota Thunder.
In the summer and fall of 2021, Mukwelle trained with Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC.
“It feels amazing to be playing professionally back in the United States. Since I last played soccer competitively in the United States, the sport has grown immensely. The level of the game in the United States has grown and so has the interest, I am excited to give it my all.”
Mukwelle Akale, Tormenta FC midfielder
Akale has featured for the U.S. U18 and U20 squads on the international level. He joined the U.S. U20 for the 2016 NTC Invitational in Carson, California. Akale received his last call-up for the United States U23 National Team in June of 2019 for a summer training camp held in Herriman, Utah.
Tormenta FC is excited for a historic 2022 as it transitions from Erk Russell Park to Tormenta Stadium. Supporters can purchase Flex Ticket packages to guarantee their presence at all remaining home matches this season.
