Pa-Modou Kah and the Vancouver Whitecaps mutually terminated the 36-year-old center back’s MLS contract to allow the veteran defender to join the club’s USL side, Whitecaps FC 2, as a player/coach for the remainder of the 2016 season, it was announced on Thursday.
A former Norwegian international, Kah initially joined MLS in 2013, when he signed with the Portland Timbers. He spent the last two seasons with Vancouver, making 25 league appearances in 2015 but only appearing five times for the club this regular season.
In addition to playing and coaching with WFC2, the longtime pro will also work with Vancouver’s U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-18 residency teams as a staff coach.
“It has always been a dream of mine to coach and I’m excited about this opportunity,” Kah said in a statement released by the ‘Caps. “I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the young players, as well as working with Whitecaps FC 2 and residency coaches and staff.”
Kah made 74 total MLS appearances between the regular season and playoffs, all but six of which were starts. He scored four goals and notched a pair of assists during his time in the league, with three of his goals and both of his assists coming with Vancouver in 2015.
"Pa is a fantastic leader on and off the pitch and this is a natural transition for him," said Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson. "His two decades of professional experience at the top levels will be of great value to our young players. I look forward to seeing him develop in this new role."
