One of the Canadian Premier League’s inaugural signings is returning to the league as Valour FC announced on Friday a multi-year deal for midfielder Zachary Sukunda.

The 28-year-old from Ottawa was the first-ever signing in club history for the Halifax Wanderers ahead of the 2019 CPL season. He went on to make 21 appearances in all competitions in Halifax’s inaugural campaign.

Since departing the east coast after that season, Sukunda has played four years in Finland, with Ekenäs IF, PEPO and mostly recently IF Gnistan. This past season, he helped Gnistan to second place in the table in the Finnish second division. However, they unfortunately lost in the promotion playoff final.

“Zach is a player we’ve followed from afar,” said Valour FC head coach and GM Phil Dos Santos. “His time spent in Finland has allowed him to mature his game. He’s a good player, an excellent professional and brings quality and flexibility to our roster.”

Sukunda’s signing, along with the announcement that the team had inked Shaan Hundal to a deal on Thursday, brings Valour to nine players under contract for 2024.