Another Canadian looks to make mark in pro soccer from start in refugee camp

Like many young Canadian soccer players, Nyota Katembo loves watching Canada captain Alphonso Davies at work.

But it's not just for the Bayern Munich star's exciting style of play. The two share a similar backstory, finding their way to pro soccer after starting life in a refugee camp — Davies in Ghana and Katembo in Tanzania.

"I think we're similar too in the way that we play," said the 24-year-old Katembo, newly signed to AFC Toronto of the new Northern Super League.

Like Davies, Katembo has played both fullback and midfielder, likes taking on opponents and has speed to burn. She calls Davies her "prototype player."

Born in a refugee camp in Nyarugusu, Tanzania, after her family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo to escape war, Katembo moved to Joliette, Que., some 70 kilometres north of Montreal, in 2003 when she was two.

In all, her parents spent seven years in the refugee camp.

"I can never be more grateful," said Katembo, the second-youngest of seven children — five boys and two girls. "I feel like I owe them a lifetime debt for everything they've done for us."

At one point, two of Katembo's brothers were lost during the war. They were eventually found by a family friend, who looked after them until their mother could bring them back to the camp.

"Our story is actually insane," said Katembo. "My parents are good people. They're strong, really strong."

WATCH | 'Top 5 league in the world': Diana Matheson on NSL:

'Top 5 league in the world': Diana Matheson on NSL

AFC Toronto is happy to offer their daughter a new home.

"Nyota's story is extremely inspiring, and AFC Toronto is proud to support her as she embarks on this new chapter at the professional level," AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson said in a