Former UCD defender Maxi Kouogun looking forward to European adventure with Waterford

Defender Maxi Kouogun is looking forward to playing European football with Waterford after penning a deal for 2019 after parting company with Warrenpoint Town.

The 21-year-old played Europa League football with UCD in 2015, when the Students beat F91 Dudelange before losing to Slovan Bratislava, and is looking forward to repeating the experience.

Cameroon-born, Dublin-raised Kouogun spent four years with the Students before making the move to the Down club during the summer.

Kouogun revealed that Waterford boss Alan Renyolds had been in contact 12 months ago, but he opted to remain at UCD to finish a master’s degree in economics.

He’s one of two defenders to sign for the Blues on Friday after Kevin Lynch signed on the dotted line for a move from Bray Wanderers.

Goalkeeper Matthew Connor has signed a new deal with the club, while midfielders JJ Lunney, Shane Duggan and Zack Elbouzedi have arrived from Bohemians, Limerick and Inverness Caledonian Thistle respectively.

“I’m delight ted to get it sorted and really happy to sign for the club,” Kouogun told the club’s official website.

I spoke to Alan last season too but I was still finishing my masters in UCD so I’m really pleased to get sorted now and join the club.

“I’ve played in the RSC before and the vibe has been a really good one. The quality of the pitch has always been excellent, dressing rooms, everything.

“Any time I’ve played against Waterford at home for UCD, they’ve always brought big crowds, the most that teams have brought to games, and I can’t wait to play in front of them.



“The teams are similar in the way UCD and Waterford try to play football and that’s a factor for me. European football is of course a draw too.

“I played a couple of games with UCD when I was just 18 so hopefully I can bring that experience to some of the others too.

“It’s great to be sorted before Christmas and I can’t wait to get into pre-season training in a few weeks.”

Reynolds added: “I’m really happy to have Maxim signed. He’s a big, strong centre-half and is exactly what we need.

“He’s played a lot of games for UCD in the past couple of seasons including their European games.

“He’s well regarded around the league and one I’m very happy to get. It was important that we brought in a central defender and I think he could turn out to be an excellent signing for us.”