STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced its initial roster decisions following the conclusion of its first title-winning season in 2022. Ahead of the 2023 USL League One season, a good core of returning players aims to defend the club’s first League One title in Tormenta FC’s fifth year in the professional league.
Midfielders Tobias Otieno, Gabriel Cabral, Kingsford Adjei and forward Kazaiah Sterling are all under contract for the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Tormenta FC has exercised the 2023 club options for goalkeeper Pablo Jara, defenders Deshawon Nembhard and Jake Dengler, midfielder Christopher Heckenberg and forward Arthur Bosua, pending league and federation approval.
The nine returning players were crucial in helping Tormenta FC win its first-ever League One title.
The group of midfielders returning for 2023 will be one of the most prolific core of returners to the league in 2023. With the return of Cabral, Otieno and Heckenberg, the trio complement each other through their different skills, which fit perfectly under the coaching staff. In addition, Adjei’s pace and ability to cause panic in the opposing defensive lines will help Tormenta FC recreate its offensive presence in 2023.
The 2022 League One Final MVP, Sterling, is set to return in 2023 to solely solidify his name in the Tormenta FC record books after having the best season of his young career in 2022. With him, Bosua is set to return to action in 2023. The forward started his Tormenta FC career in style with a game-winning goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that saw him eliminate his former team, the Charleston Battery, in the Second Round of the national competition. Bosua’s season was cut short due to an ACL injury, but the South African talent recorded three goals across all competitions and one assist in twelve appearances.
Earlier this week, defender Joshua Phelps was transferred to Melbourne Knights FC of the National Premier Leagues Victoria (NPL Victoria), the second-tier of the Australian Soccer League System, for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Tormenta FC has declined the 2023 contract options for Fuad Adeniyi, Jamil Roberts and Mutaya Mwape.
Alex Morrell, Adrian Billhardt, Barakatulla Sharifi, Curtis Thorn, Jamie Boegel, Josue Soto, Kotaro Umeda, Lars Eckenrode, Owen Green, Ryan Sierakowski, Mukwelle Akale and TJ Bush and Taylor Crull are out of contract. The club remains in discussions with many championship-winning squad members ahead of the 2023 USL League One season.
Tormenta FC’s 2023 Roster:
Goalkeeper (1): Pablo Jara
Defenders (2): Deshawon Nembhard, Jake Dengler
Midfielders: (4): Christopher Heckenberg, Tobias Otieno, Gabriel Cabral, Kingsford Adjei
Forwards: (2): Kazaiah Sterling, Arthur Bosua
Fans should stay tuned for more player updates heading into the New Year. Tormenta FC fans can now secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of its first entire season. 2023 Season Tickets are now available for purchase. For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.
