Forge FC announced Thursday the club has selected Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) midfielder Mouhamed Ndiaye [MOO-AH-mEHd N-dEE-AY] (first-round, eighth overall) and Carleton University attacker Amadou Kone [AH-mah-doo CONE-eh] (second-round, sixteenth overall) in the 2024 CPL-U SPORTS draft. The players have been invited to participate in preseason camp with the opportunity to sign either a CPL-U SPORTS Developmental Contract that allows a student-athlete with one to four years of U SPORTS eligibility remaining to sign with a CPL club while preserving their eligibility before returning to U SPORTS competition.

Ndiaye, 20, made 11 appearances in his second season with UQTR tallying one goal and three assists on the season. The native of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, is known for combining his technical ability with his physical play, which was critical in the university’s run to win the 2023 U SPORTS national tournament.

Kone, 18, had a stellar rookie season at Carleton University in 2023, making 12 appearances and recording one goal. The dynamic winger known for his 1v1 ability is always looking to create chances and break lines with his technical ability. The native of Ottawa, Ontario, had previously played for Ottawa South United in League1 Quebec.

Since 2018 the Canadian Premier League has held a draft for eligible U SPORTS men’s soccer players who have registered and declared themselves available to be selected through the League’s annual draft.