A Global Roster Takes Shape
Maryland’s men’s soccer program is set for a transformative 2026 campaign after head coach Sasho Cirovski revealed a 13‑player recruiting class that blends seasoned talent with fresh international flair.
The incoming group spans four continents, featuring prospects from Ghana, Uganda, France, Canada, Panama and the United States, a mix that promises to raise the team’s competitive edge and broaden its tactical horizons.
Among the newcomers, forward Franklin Affanyi arrives from Ghana after a standout stint at Montverde Academy, while dynamic Ugandan forward Dominic Ayella joins from Lindsey Wilson University, bringing a proven knack for finding space in the final third.
The class also includes local product Zachary Cielewich, a Maryland native who honed his game with D.C. United’s U‑18/19 Academy, and versatile midfielder Zack Harris, who spent three collegiate seasons at CSUN before making the move to College Park.
Other notable additions include Antoine Coupland, a Quebec‑born forward who logged two seasons with Vancouver Whitecaps 2, and Said El Eyssami, a Panama international who sharpened his skills at Northwood Prep in Lake Placid, New York.
Defender Lilian Fichelle, who started every one of Campbell’s 20 matches in 2025, adds defensive solidity, while forward Rodrigo Neri, formerly of Atlanta United 2, brings MLS NEXT Pro experience. The roster also welcomes Dennis Kalanzi, a Ugandan striker from Uganda Police FC, and Ljubomir Popovic, an Austrian centre‑back from Tyler Junior College.
Completing the cohort are Maxwell Sekyi, a Ghanaian defensive midfielder from Exulted FC, and Marco Wright, a North Carolina native who concluded three seasons at Campbell University. Coach Cirovski believes the influx of diverse backgrounds will accelerate growth and set new standards within the locker room.