Explosive Amuri joins the ‘Pack

KAMLOOPS – Ebalo Amuri is the latest high-end recruit to join the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team after his signing was announced by head coach John Antulov on Friday.
 
"I think Ebalo is going to be a player for us with his great technical ability, speed and pace," said Antulov. "The way he is able to get up into the attack is going to be a huge asset for our program."
 
A 5-7 left back, Amuri decided to join the 'Pack after witnessing the team's historic run to the U SPORTS National Championship title this past November.
 
"After watching this past U SPORTS National tournament, I really enjoyed the way TRU conducted themselves on the field," said Amuri. "The way players were allowed to express their creativity on the field was something I admired and more than anything else, how connected they were as a unit - especially on defence - is what locked me in."
 
TRU's run of on-field success has been crucial in securing commitments throughout the past number of years according to Antulov. The 'Pack have qualified for the Canada West playoffs in every season starting in 2017 with a national bronze to go along with the championship they claimed in 2022.
 
"Obviously the national championship has helped, but it's also what we've been able to do over the last five years and the consistency we've shown – it has opened a lot of people's eyes," said Antulov. "There's interest from a lot of players all across Canada and I think that bodes well for the future."
 
A speedy defender, Amuri points to his versatility as something he can bring to the squad.
 
"I see myself adding speed and different possibilities of attack on the left flank, as well as expressing my style of play to do what I can to assist the attack," said the product of Glenlawn Collegiate. "As for defence, there is nothing I love more than a clean sheet. I will do everything I can, plus more, to help the team not concede at all."
 
Hailing from the capital of Manitoba, Amuri joins fellow Winnipeggers Dylan Hooper and Marques Scott on the squad.
 
"It gives us visibility across the country," said Antulov on the team's success on the national stage. "With all the schools we have in B.C. it's difficult to get recruits, especially kids from Vancouver when you've got top schools there. To be able to get kids from other provinces is huge for us."
 
It's another - recently graduated - member of the 'Pack from Winnipeg that Antulov sees the closest comparison to in Amuri however, likening him to Daniel Sagno who is currently starring at the professional level in Australia.
 
"I think he's got real potential going forward in attack but is also very good 1-on-1 defensively," said Antulov. "He reminds me very much of Daniel Sagno with his skill set and what he can bring to the table both offensively and defensively. He's really got high potential moving forward."
 
It's taken a lot of perseverance for Amuri to make it to this point in his soccer career, bouncing back to earn a spot with the reigning national champions after enduring an ACL injury in 2022.
 
"After a long time recovering, TRU gave me the opportunity to showcase my love for the sport and the chance to fight to compete at that next level," said Amuri.
 
Amuri and his new WolfPack teammates are counting down to the start of their 2023-24 season, with the first home games of the upcoming campaign set for Sept. 1-2 down at McArthur Island Park.