Orlando City B Adds Pair of Cameroonian Youth Internationals for 2017 USL Season

Orlando City B’s roster took another step closer to completion today with the signing of a pair of Cameroonian players out of the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy (SIMA). Anthony Pulis’ squad added left back Jules Youmeni and forward Albert Dikwa to the USL club, pending receipt of their P1 visas and USL and federation approval.

The signings bring the total number of OCB-specific additions up to 10 for the off-season, as the two Cameroonians join defenders Scott Thomsen, Fernando Timbó and Zach Carroll, who were signed on Dec. 1. The USL side added four players on Dec. 6 — midfielders Paul Clowes, Austin Martz and Jordan Schweitzer, as well as forward Ben Polk. The club also signed OCSC Academy product Joe Gallardo on Jan. 25.

Youmeni, 18, is a 5-foot-8 Cameroon youth international who has played for SIMA since 2013, making five appearances for his country – three at the U-15 level and two with the U-17 team. The Bafoussam, Cameroon, native earned Best Left Fullback honors in the Littoral Regional League in his native Cameroon and he also featured in the African U-17 Championship Eliminatory.

“Youmeni is equally comfortable at right or left back,” said Pulis in a club press release. “He has two great feet, is very quick, and defends 1-v-1 situations very well. He has a fantastic mentality and has potential to grow into a very good player.”

Dikwa, 19, has played at SIMA since 2014. The 6-foot-2 striker from Garoua, Cameroon, can also play on the wing and has made six international appearances with his country’s U-20 national team.

“Dikwa is a striker who leads the line well,” Pulis added in the club release. “He has excellent speed, good movement, and has a good goal-scoring record. Like Youmeni, he’s very hungry to learn and improve. We’re really excited to work with him and help him develop.”

The two Cameroonians helped Montverde build a national record 157-match unbeaten streak and capture each of the past six Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament titles.