Vancouver FC has the youngest roster in the Canadian Premier League but is looking to incorporate some experience with their newest addition, Mikaël “Miki” Cantave. The 26-year-old winger most recently played for Cavalry FC but has also represented Haiti on the international stage. Cantave arrives at VFC after the club have agreed to an intra-Canadian Premier League player swap for Maël Henry. 

“The challenge of turning things around and helping the club move up in the standings is what excites me the most,” says Cantave about the opportunity at Vancouver FC. “I think I’m always up for a new challenge. 

“I had a good time with Cavalry, but I think it was time to turn a page. I’m looking forward to the first game on Sunday.”

After his first training session at his new home, Cantave already has good sensations about VFC’s playing style and his new teammates. “There’s a lot of young guys, there’s a lot of energy. It’s good to be around,” shares Cantave. “I think the coach knows what he’s doing. The football is good, with a lot of touches on the ball, which is something I always enjoy. So I’m happy.”

Cantave is a right-footed winger who can play on both sides of the pitch where he can break opposing team’s defences with technical precision and an electric change of pace. At the age of 26-years-old, Cantave becomes the third oldest player in Vancouver FC’s roster and will have the opportunity to step into a new leadership role. 

“It’s definitely different but it’s cool, I think I have always enjoyed helping other people out, especially younger players,” shares Cantave. “I am going to try and bring the same energy over here to help the younger guys avoid mistakes that I made when I was younger.”

Throughout his career, Cantave has registered more than fifty club appearances, five goals and two assists in all competitions. He has played across Europe including teams in the Spanish second and third divisions, the Romanian top flight, and the CPL. 

The new VFC player has also made an impact at the international level. As a teenager, he helped Canada to claim third place in the CONCACAF U-17 Championship which qualified the national team for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. In 2018, Cantave switched his allegiance to Haiti and since then registered eleven international caps, including World Cup Qualification, CONCACAF Nations League, and Haiti’s historic semifinal run in the 2019 Gold Cup. 

Cantave has already made history at Willoughby Park – scoring the first ever goal on May 7th for CAV – but the BC-side is excited to have their newest signing making history for Vancouver FC. “…Being the first one to score in the stadium, maybe it was meant to be,” jokes Cantave.

Vancouver FC also confirms that Emmanuel Robe has left the club on mutual agreement, opening a new international spot for VFC.

Witness Cantave’s first match with Vancouver FC on Sunday, July 2nd against York United FC at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through this link or at Gate 1 of the Langley Events Centre.