Kunle Dada-Luke has achieved a significant milestone in his career by making 100 appearances for Pacific FC. During these matches, he has accomplished many notable feats, including the 2021 Championship run in the Canadian Premier League (CPL). However, Dada-Luke’s journey and the path that led him to this point has been a story of perseverance.
Toronto FC, Europe, and the Canadian Premier League
Born on January 12, 2000, Kunle Dada-Luke’s journey began in Mississauga. In his youth, Kunle caught the attention of the Toronto FC (TFC) Academy and was quickly signed to the club. At TFC, Dada-Luke progressed through the youth ranks, eventually earning minutes with Toronto FC II, in the USL Championship.
In 2019, still just 18-years-old at the time, Dada-Luke took a significant step in his career by moving to Denmark to join FC Helsingør. FC Helsingør play in the Danish second division. This move exposed him to a different style of play at the senior level in a faster-paced and more physical game. After a season in Denmark, Dada-Luke returned to Canada in 2020, joining Atlético Ottawa. During his stints in both Ottawa and in Europe, Dada-Luke struggled to break into first-team football. While his time with Ottawa was short-lived, and he did not feature in any matches that season, it set the stage for him to take a crucial step in his career: signing with Pacific FC.
Establishing Himself at Pacific FC
In March 2021, Kunle Dada-Luke signed with Pacific FC, where he quickly became an important player for the club. Under the guidance of Head Coach Pa Modou Kah, Dada-Luke thrived, benefiting from Kah’s trust and mentorship. Kah played a crucial role in Dada-Luke’s development during his first season with the club, helping him to establish himself as a reliable, consistent and versatile right-back. Dada-Luke’s speed, work rate, and ability to read the game made him a key asset for the team.
In that first season with Pacific FC, Dada-Luke made 23 appearances in all competitions, including the Canadian Premier League and the Canadian Championship. His versatility allowed him to play various roles, from full-back to winger, producing standout performances both offensively and defensively.
One of the highlights of Dada-Luke’s career at Pacific FC came in 2021 when the team clinched the CPL championship. His contributions throughout the season were invaluable, and he played a crucial role in both the regular season and the playoffs. In the CPL Semi-Final second leg against Cavalry FC, he played an important role in the extra-time own goal that propelled Pacific FC to the final. The team went on to win the championship, a historic moment for the club and for Dada-Luke.
The following years saw Dada-Luke continue to excel. In 2022, he made 30 appearances across all competitions, solidifying himself as a mainstay in the team’s backline. His performances have earned him multiple appearances in the CPL Team of the Week. His success has extended beyond just the CPL, as he has also played for Pacific FC in international tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions League. Dada-Luke’s ability to balance defensive duties with attacking support has made him a fan favourite and a critical component of Pacific FC’s squad.
100 Appearances
Reaching 100 appearances for any club is a significant achievement. For Kunle Dada-Luke, this milestone is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. It highlights his importance to Pacific FC and his contributions to the club’s successes.
Kunle has expressed himself that “(Vancouver) Island has become a second home for me, and playing at Starlight Stadium in front of passionate fans provides the spark that drives him to go the extra mile”. As Kunle Dada-Luke celebrates his 100th appearance for Pacific FC, he continues to attract attention from European and MLS clubs. Whether he continues to shine in the CPL or takes his talents abroad again, one thing is certain: Dada-Luke has the perseverance and work rate to succeed anywhere.