Joseph Pacheco is the latest new face in our squad. DAC 1904 has reached an agreement with Panamanian top-flight side Plaza Amador for the transfer of the 18-year-old left-back, who signed a four-year contract with our club after successfully completing his medical examination.

Born on 12 April 2008, Pacheco is a product of the academy of the ten-time Panamanian champions. He has represented his country at U17 level and is currently a member of Panama’s U20 national team.

He broke into Plaza Amador’s first team during the recently concluded season and helped the club win the league title. He featured in 10 of the 16 regular-season matches and appeared in all three play-off fixtures. Throughout the campaign, he learned a great deal from his role model and teammate Eric Davis.

“Coming to Europe is a dream come true for me. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to join DAC, a club with a great history and amazing supporters. Eric Davis spoke only positively about the club, which made my decision much easier. My goal is to settle into the team as quickly as possible, improve every day and help DAC win trophies. I want to be a player who always gives everything on the pitch. I hope the fans will see someone who fights for the club in every match. My strengths are speed, dribbling, quality crossing and supporting the attack,” said the 18-year-old after signing his contract.

Joseph Pacheco will wear the number 15 shirt at DAC. He arrived in Dunajská Streda accompanied by his agent, while Eric Davis, a club legend and one of the key figures in DAC’s recent history, was also by his side on the journey.

Davis, who made almost 200 appearances in the DAC shirt, said about his young compatriot:

“I’m very proud that Joseph has been given the opportunity to join DAC. This club will always have a special place in my heart because I spent the best years of my football career here, as well as some of the best moments of my life. I believe Joseph has everything it takes to become an even better player than I was. At the same time, he is still very young, so there is no need to put unnecessary pressure on him. He needs time to adapt, just as I did when I arrived in a completely different country and culture. I’m convinced that if he remains patient and continues to work hard, he will become an important part of the team and help DAC win trophies.”

Sporting Director Jan-Pieter Martens added:

“DAC has always been a good ground for Panamanian players and Joseph is one of the brightest talents of his generation in Panama. We believe that DAC will provide him with the ideal environment to continue his development, both as a footballer and as a person. He is a modern full-back with excellent physical attributes, an attacking mindset and a great desire to improve. The key now is to give him time to adapt and work with him patiently. We are convinced that our club will provide everything he needs to fulfil his potential and become an important part of DAC.”