Recent Forge FC signee Dejan Jakovic sat down with club digital host Louis Butko this week for his first interview as a member of the two-time defending CPL champions.

Jakovic, 35, signed for the Hamilton club last week as coach Bobby Smyrniotis’ second big splash of the off-season after re-acquiring 2019 Player of the Year Tristan Borges from OH Leuven on loan.

Coming in as a replacement for centre-back-tuned-assistant coach David Edgar, Jakovic says he’s “impressed” with a “very talented team” in Hamilton.

“Coach Bobby has done a wonderful job with this team – I’m just going to lead, lead by example,” Jakovic said. “Guide these players in the right direction so hopefully they can take their play to the next level.”

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Jakovic was most recently with Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer, where he made 42 appearances between 2018 and 2020, winning a Supporters’ Shield. He also played in MLS with D.C. United, spending five years (2009-2013) with them and winning the 2013 U.S. Open Cup.

He has made 41 appearances for the senior Canadian men’s national team since making his debut in 2008.