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Players to watch heading into Day 2 of the #GotGame Open Trials in Quebec

LAVAL — If Halifax set the standard, Quebec raised it on Day 1 of the Canadian Premier League’s #GotGame Open Trials.

The league’s coaches selected 58 players to move on to Day 2 — which will feature 11 vs. 11 games and a better opportunity to evaluate players who could received an invite to preseason camps.

There were, however, players who stood out more than others.

Here’s a list of five players who caught the eyes of CPL coaches on Day 1 in Quebec:


Lukumbi Tshindaye during Day 1 of the CPL's Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)
Lukumbi Tshindaye during Day 1 of the CPL’s Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)

TRIALIST NO. 225

LUKUMBI TSHINDAYE, 19

POSITION: Midfielder

NATIONALITY: Canadian

CPL COACHES SAY: Tshindaye is the pick of the group, a midfielder who brings energy but understands how to play simple. He’s a good passer — a player who models his game after N’golo Kante. He’s a great engine in the middle of the park. Tshindaye moved to Canada from the Democratic Rep. of The Congo at nine years old. He was recently on trial in Germany.


Mohamed Kourouma during Day 1 of the CPL's Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)
Mohamed Kourouma during Day 1 of the CPL’s Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)

TRIALIST NO. 362

MOHAMED KOUROUMA, 28

POSITION: Winger, Forward

NATIONALITY: Canadian

CPL COACHES SAY: In addition to having an eye for goal, Kourouma has good movement. He links well up front. You can tell he’s had experience playing at a different level as he previously played for FC Miami City before going on trial in France with Names Olympique. He was born in Guinea.


Kodai Iida during Day 1 of the CPL's Open Trials in Quebec. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)
Kodai Iida during Day 1 of the CPL’s Open Trials in Quebec. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)

TRIALIST NO. 367

KODAI IIDA, 23

POSITION: Midfielder

NATIONALITY: Japanese

CPL COACHES SAY: Iida is technically good and his awareness takes him to another level. He sees the game well. As a midfielder, he recognizes the speed of the game and the rhythm. He’s just composed at all times and under control.


Hamdi Djama chats with Valour FC coach Rob Gale during Day 1 of the CPL's Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)
Hamdi Djama chats with Valour FC coach Rob Gale during Day 1 of the CPL’s Open Trials. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)

TRIALIST NO. 418

HAMDI DJAMA, 18

POSITION: Midfielder

NATIONALITY: Canadian

CPL COACHES SAY: Djama’s desire is off the charts. He also has good awareness as he sees the entire picture. He covers an immense amount of ground. He’s a lefty, a box-to-box central player who also defends.


Risen Muytia on the ball during Day 1 of the CPL's Open Trials in Quebec. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)
Risen Muytia on the ball during Day 1 of the CPL’s Open Trials in Quebec. (Lucho Calderon/CPL)

TRIALIST NO. 440

RISEN MUYTIA, 17

POSITION: FORWARD

NATIONALITY: CANADIAN

CPL COACHES SAY: Muytia has unique raw athleticism. He’s physically strong but also has a nose for goal. He has raw potential — physicality mixed with technical qualities.