BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 8, 2020) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of central defender Phanuel Kavita to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval. He can play either center back spot and looks to be a key part of the Legion FC backline in 2021.

“Phanuel is an excellent defender with experience at center back in both MLS and the USL Championship,” said President and GM Jay Heaps. “We’ve tracked him since his time at Clemson and into the MLS, and we believe he will be a great addition to our back line.”

Kavita moved from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to join the Real Salt Lake Academy, before playing collegiately at Clemson University from 2011 to 2014. As a Tiger, he started in all 81 games in which he featured and captained the team to the ACC Tournament Championship, where he was named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014.

The defender then signed a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in 2015, and made one appearance for the club, but spent most of his time in Utah with the Real Monarchs. He made 38 appearances for the USL side and scored one goal across the 2015-2016 seasons. In 2017, he played for Puerto Rico FC in the North American Soccer League, where he made 27 appearances and scored another goal.

Kavita then spent the past three seasons playing for Saint Louis FC where he made 88 appearances, 84 of which were starts, and bagged three goals and one assist. In 2019 and 2020, he started 54 of the 56 STLFC matches and played every single minute in all 54 of those games. He finished this past campaign as Saint Louis’s leader in passes, blocks, and minutes played, was second in clearances, and fourth in tackles and tackles won.

Transaction: On December 8, 2020, Legion FC signed defender Phanuel Kavita to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:
Name: Phanuel Kavita
Position: Defender
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 185
Birthdate: March 9, 1993 (age 27)
Birthplace: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Citizenship: DR Congo
Previous Club: Saint Louis FC (USL Championship)
Instagram: @phanuel3
Twitter: @phanuel313
Facebook: @PhanuelKavita

About Birmingham Legion FC
Launched in 2018 as an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. Legion FC qualified for the USLC Playoffs following each of the club’s first two seasons. The club plays home matches at BBVA Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For 2021 season ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to download the Legion FC app and follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.