ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (December 21, 2016) — The Tampa Bay Rowdies have re-signed another two members of their 2016 roster, signing defender Tamika Mkandawire and goalkeeper Matt Pickens to new contracts, the club announced Wednesday pending league and USSF approval. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed.
With Mkandawire and Pickens signed, Tampa Bay’s 2017 roster includes 10 players with a combined 24 seasons played for the Rowdies.
Since joining the club midway through the 2014 season, Mkandawire has appeared in 75 matches in league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. He served as club captain in 2016, leading from the heart of the Rowdies’ backline.
“Since he arrived in 2014, Tam has been central to how we want to play at the back,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell. “He’s a veteran of the game that leads by example and keeps everything ticking on the field.”
Pickens has appeared in 82 games for the Rowdies in the last three seasons of league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. Pickens’ contract expired at the conclusion of the 2016 regular season, but he has opted to return to the club as a free agent for its first season as a member of the United Soccer League.
An Open Cup winner with the Chicago Fire in 2006 and MLS Cup winner with the Colorado Rapids in 2010, Pickens, 34, played every minute of all but one game for the Rowdies last season. He sat out the season finale in Jacksonville, but otherwise played the full season, including both the Rowdies’ Open Cup matches. He kept nine clean sheets.
“Matt brings us consistency at a very important position on the field,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “He’s a great leader for our team because of the high level he’s played at throughout his career. He’s great at organizing the backline and always puts the work in during the week to get ready for each match.”
The Tampa Bay Rowdies kick off their inaugural USL Season in March 2017 and they’ll need your support to make it a memorable one. Secure season tickets before December 30 and save money on tickets. To purchase, call (727) 222-2000 or click here.
