HARRISON, NJ (March 18, 2013) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they have signed midfielder Marius Obekop and forward Rafhinha. Obekop will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
“Both of these young players have shown signs that they can play at the Major League Soccer level and we are pleased to follow their progress this season,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh.
Obekop, 18, was previously with Cameroon MTN Elite One side, Renaissance FC de Nhoumou, where he scored five goals in 18 games during the 2012 and helped his team to the quarterfinals of the Cameroon Cup. A former member of the Arsenal de Yaounde youth organization, Obekop debuted for the Cameroon Under-20 team, appearing for his nation twice during the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Obekop also featured with the Cameroon Under-17 squad starting in 2010.
Rafhinha (full name: Rafhael Domingues) was previously with Brazilian side, Toledo, since 2009. With Toledo, he was part of the squad that earned promotion to the Campeonato Paranaense First Division. Rafhinha also had a stint with the youth squads at German side Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old was a member of the Austrian Under-18 National Team in 2010 and tallied a pair of goals in his debut – a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.
#13 Marius Obekop
Position: Midfielder
Pronunciation: mare-EE-us oh-BEH-cop
Height: 5-10
Weight: 168 pounds
Day of Birth: December 19, 1994 in Yaounde, Cameroon
Hometown: Yaounde, Cameroon
Previous Club: Renaissance FC de Nhoumou
How Acquired: Signed on March 18, 2013
#92 Rafhinha
Position: Forward
Pronunciation: raff-FEEN-yah
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155 pounds
Day of Birth: Feb. 3, 1992 in Marechal Candido Rondon, Brazil
Hometown: Marechal Candido Rondon, Brazil
Previous Club: Toledo Colonia Work
How Acquired: Signed on March 18, 2013
