One of the CPL’s most-travelled players is staying in the league, as Atlético Ottawa announced Thursday that it has re-signed Canadian defender Milovan Kapor for the 2021 season.

Kapor, a 29, was a last-minute addition to Atlético’s roster last season, signing with the club just before The Island Games. He went on to start six of Ottawa’s seven matches in PEI (he was suspended for the game he missed), and led the club in total clearances (26), headed clearances (12) and blocks (six).

Fernando Lopez, Atlético Ottawa CEO, described Kapor as “a key piece to our team at the Island Games.”

“In a very short period, he was able to overcome a difficult personal situation to join our team and become one of the silent captains of the locker room. I have plenty of confidence in him and I am sure with his commitment, maturity and experience he will lead our team to great achievements,” Lopez said in a media release.

Ottawa coach Mista added: “Milovan is very strong on the defensive side of the ball and is an intelligent player. He has shown he is one of the leaders of this team on and off the field. He will be one of the voices we need from our back line.”

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Born in Toronto to Serbian parents, Kapor cur his teeth in NCAA competition at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County before moving to Spain and signing with lower-league side Cadiz. From there, his European travels took him to Slovakia (FK Dukla Banská Bystrica, FK Železiarne Podbrezová and FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce), Israel (Hapoel Hadera F.C.) and Belarus (FC Gomel).

He joined Ottawa from Uzbek Super League side FK Buxoro, where he made 15 appearances from 2019 to 2020.

Kapor is the tenth Ottawa player confirmed for the 2021 CPL season, joining returnees Malcolm Shaw, Tevin Shaw, Osah Bernardinho, Antoine Coupland, Ben McKendry, Brandon John, Vashon Neufville, and CF Montreal loanee defender Keesean Ferdinand.

Ottawa also selected a pair of young prospects at the recent CPL-U SPORTS Draft, with Cristopher Malekos and Reggie Laryea earning invites to pre-season training camp.