Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of midfielders Nizar Khalfan and Gershon Koffie to the club's Major League Soccer roster.

22-year old Tanzania international Khalfan joins the expansion franchise's roster after one-and-a-half years with the club at the North American second division level.

He said it was a dream of his to play professionally in the States and was delighted after signing with the Whitecaps.

"Everyone has dreams and I think my dreams are coming true," said Khalfan. "I am very proud of my country and honoured to be the first player from East Africa to play in MLS. I am very happy to be with Vancouver."

19-year old Koffie also joins from the Division 2 version of the Vancouver club after joining them in September 2010 after being discovered on a scouting trip by the club's director of soccer operations Tom Soehn.

Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson was happy to welcome both players into the MLS fold.

"Nizar and Gershon are fantastic young talents that continue to develop," said Thordarson.

"Nizar is a dynamic player with great energy. He has all the tools. He is fast, technical, hard working, has a good shot, and a great attitude.

"Gershon is a fantastic ball winner. It is very difficult to get by him, and at the same time, he reads the game well. He is physical, but disciplined in his role."