CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence on Thursday announced that defender Shalom Dutey and forward Tresor Mbuyu are returning for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Both players enter their fifth year with the Jacks.

After making his professional debut in Charlotte's 2021 season opener, Dutey has played a crucial role along the backline for the Independence. He has appeared in 65 games all-time for the Jacks, including 51 starts. 

"I'm excited to continue working with Shalom in 2024," Head Coach Mike Jeffries expressed. "Left-footed centerbacks are valuable commodities and we have a strong one in Shalom – his athleticism, ability to defend one-on-one, and to play calmly out of the back contribute greatly to our strength as a team. I expect that he will continue his trajectory of success over the past couple of seasons into 2024."

Dutey ranked 10th in USL League One in clearances with 95 in 32 matches last season. His presence on defense helped the Jacks earn 10 clean sheets in 2023. In 2022, Dutey opened the season with three goals in the first four games. He scored match-winning goals against South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2022 and 2023 as well.

"The 2023 season didn't end how we were expecting it to, but we'll use it as a lesson for this upcoming year," Dutey explained. "This 2024 is our year to bring the championship to Charlotte, and I'm glad I get to be a part of that."

The leading scorer for the Jacks the past two seasons, Mbuyu, is returning with unfinished business. Mbuyu recorded 11 goals and five assists in 2022 along with nine goals and four assists in 2023. 

"Tresor has been a big part of our success the last two years," Jeffries shared. "He has quietly evolved into one of the more dangerous and consistent strikers in League One during that period. His ability to take on defenders and get behind defenses are huge, which when combined with his work rate, make him an extremely effective attacking player. I look forward to working with him again and seeing him continue to progress."

2022 was a breakout year for Mbuyu in which he started 27 of 28 games for the Independence. He scored his first goal for the club as part of a brace in Charlotte’s league opener against Central Valley Fuego FC. He added a match-winner in the next game against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. There were more heroics for Mbuyu in 2022 as he scored a match-tying goal in the final minute against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Early in 2023, Mbuyu scored in three consecutive matches, guiding the team to victory in three straight at home. He logged the best shots on target percentage of the team's trio of strikers with 52% of shots going on target. Mbuyu earned five appearances on the USL League One Team of the Week in 2023.

"I am excited to be back with the team, and l hope to continue to contribute to the project and vision the team has for the season," Mbuyu commented. "I am also looking forward to the start of the season. We have built a community and culture here. This is our opportunity to show love to the city and our community."