Beautiful British Columbia welcomes you home, Marcus.
Victoria Buzz just got the scoop that Vancouver-born striker Marcus Haber has become Pacific Football Club’s (PFC) second-ever player signed, after leaving the Scottish Premier League for a simple reason: to join a franchise starting from the ground-up in his home province.
“Joining PFC is not just an opportunity to come back to the where I grew up, but also a chance to be part of history,” said Haber. “I’m excited to be back on the West Coast, it is an important part of who I am.”
Haber played for the Whitecaps in 2009 and climbed Canada’s youth teams until earning 27 appearances for the senior Canadian Men’s National Team.
“I was very intrigued and excited by the opportunity,” Haber told Victoria Buzz, who is familiar with PFC President Josh Simpson and Chief Executive Officer Rob Friend. The trio, who are all from BC, played alongside one another on the Canadian national team.
The 6’3” striker returns home offering the skillset of a “target” forward, meaning he offers a reliable combination of finishing power, ball control, and aerial ability.
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“The overall scenery and beauty of the environment is amazing here,” Haber said. And after playing in Scotland and England for the past 7 years, Victoria’s semi-rainy climate will feel like a desert. “The weather is definitely worse in Scotland,” he quipped.
“I feel I have a lot to offer.” the soon to be 30-year old said, “I’m looking forward to being a pivotal part of the team in a leadership role as well.”
It is certainly up to head coach Michael Silberbauer to build the work culture of the team, but every quality roster requires experienced leaders showing the youngsters what it takes to perform at a professional level on a daily basis.
“I’ve played abroad for quite a long time now and I feel like I can lend a helping hand to guys who might not have experienced this environment or aren’t used to the pressure.”
Of course, for Haber, part of dealing with pressure is relaxing, staying light-hearted, and keeping in perspective the life soccer has been able to offer them.
“First and foremost enjoy the moment and coming to work every day.”
Pacific FC unveiled local product Kadin Chung, 20, as its first player in club history in late November, making him part of the first batch of players in Canadian Premier League history.
Over the coming weeks, the team will continue to build its roster preparing for spring training in March.
Pacific FC will play out of a revamped Westhills Stadium in Langford. It is expected to have a seating capacity of 6,500 fans.
4 random questions for Marcus Haber:
Q: Who was your favourite soccer player growing up?
A: Thierry Henry – I was a big Arsenal fan when they were in their hay day. He was the complete striker to me.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about Victoria?
A: The people are outstanding and really friendly. The overall beauty of the environment. We went out and did a shoot at the beach for a documentary – The scenery of the area is amazing.
Q: What is your secret hidden talent?
A: Used to play the saxophone. When I was a kid I was quite good – I haven’t played in a long time now though.
Q: Team Kanye or Team Drake?
A: Team Drake music wise I think. Kanye is very innovative in terms of his fashion sense and what he does for the culture.
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