Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Miles Marteal
Manny Ikeocha Signs Professional Contract with Athletico Club da Malveria
2.9.22 | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA – Temple men's soccer player Manny Ikeocha has signed a professional contract with the Athletico Club da Malveria of the Portuguese Championship League for the 2022 season. The details of the contract were not disclosed.
"I am so proud and excited for Manny as he embarks on this next opportunity," said head coach Brian Rowland. "During his time here at Temple he has grown as a student, athlete, and leader in our community. Manny has been an integral part of our team and program, and we can't wait to see what he will accomplish!"
Ikeocha has been a member of the Owls since the 2019 season. The midfielder appeared in two games this season for the Cherry and White. He has played a large role in the locker room with Temple, and in the Temple athletics community at-large. Ikeocha was one of the two founders of Owls for Justice, the student-athlete social justice advocacy group at Temple. Ikeocha has been outspoken about affecting change for the better at Temple and in the greater Philadelphia area.
"Temple has made me a better human being and player through and through," Ikeocha said. "The challenges I've faced here has allowed me to grow into a much better soccer player and has propelled me into a chapter of my life I'll forever be grateful for. I'd like to thank the staff for growing me as a player and the team for being my family for the last 3 years and beyond. Temple has allowed me to grow on and off the field and my gratitude extends to Temple Athletics and everyone who has aided me during my time here. I take nothing for granted, I'll keep moving forward, and I'll always be proud to be #TempleMade."
This is the fourth consecutive year a Temple men's soccer player has signed a pro contract. Ikeocha joins six other former Temple soccer players in the professional ranks around the world. These include his former teammates Lukas Fernandas, Simon Lefebvre, and Pierre Cayet.
"I am so proud and excited for Manny as he embarks on this next opportunity," said head coach Brian Rowland. "During his time here at Temple he has grown as a student, athlete, and leader in our community. Manny has been an integral part of our team and program, and we can't wait to see what he will accomplish!"
Ikeocha has been a member of the Owls since the 2019 season. The midfielder appeared in two games this season for the Cherry and White. He has played a large role in the locker room with Temple, and in the Temple athletics community at-large. Ikeocha was one of the two founders of Owls for Justice, the student-athlete social justice advocacy group at Temple. Ikeocha has been outspoken about affecting change for the better at Temple and in the greater Philadelphia area.
"Temple has made me a better human being and player through and through," Ikeocha said. "The challenges I've faced here has allowed me to grow into a much better soccer player and has propelled me into a chapter of my life I'll forever be grateful for. I'd like to thank the staff for growing me as a player and the team for being my family for the last 3 years and beyond. Temple has allowed me to grow on and off the field and my gratitude extends to Temple Athletics and everyone who has aided me during my time here. I take nothing for granted, I'll keep moving forward, and I'll always be proud to be #TempleMade."
This is the fourth consecutive year a Temple men's soccer player has signed a pro contract. Ikeocha joins six other former Temple soccer players in the professional ranks around the world. These include his former teammates Lukas Fernandas, Simon Lefebvre, and Pierre Cayet.
Players Mentioned
Ep. 9: Head Women's Soccer Coach Chris Shaw
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Ep. 8: Temple Athletics Weekly Recap; Women's Cross Country Runner Amelia Sabatino
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Ep. 7: Temple Field Hockey Alumna Cherifa Howarth
Friday, September 26
Ep. 6: Temple Athletics Weekly Recap; Field Hockey's Peyton Rieger
Tuesday, September 23
