Confirmation that Malik Owolabi-Belewu has become the first signing of 2026, subject to EFL/FA registration.
The 23-year-old central defender was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Canadian Premier League club Forge FC.
Beginning life in North Derbyshire, he said: “It feels amazing. This has obviously been something that we tried to make happen last January window. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but it’s happening now and I’m over the moon to be here. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and try and make something special happen by the end of the season.
“(It’s a move that) works out in both sides’ favour because my family lives close by. I’ve obviously played abroad in Canada for a few years now, so it’s nice to be back home with them. And the club happens to be 25-30 minutes away from home, so that’s perfect.
“On the football aspect, just the way the guys play, the ambitions for the club and all of those things put together is obviously an interesting project to be a part of.”
He then discussed himself as a player and what fans can expect to see from him on the pitch.
“I developed a lot over in Canada as a player tactically and technically,” he said. “I learned to play different styles of football. In Canada, there’s a lot of upcoming talent which you’re starting to see with their national team and how they’re doing, so it was very good for me to go there and develop.
“Hopefully I can bring some of the things I’ve learned over there. I’d say I’m an aggressive defender and I like to get stuck in, but then I also like to play on the ball as well. I take pride in being able to drive with the ball, carry it and try and make things happen, so hopefully I can translate that here.”
Lastly, he spoke about the support he’d seen from Chesterfield fans and his goals over the next few months.
He said: “I’ve got to see how the fans get behind the team, so it’ll be nice to finally experience that as one of the guys on the pitch.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience winning in Canada, so that’s something I want to continue in my career. Obviously, the club have done it recently from the National League to League Two and hopefully we can make that happen into League One.
“Everybody has the goal of promotion in mind. I’m the same. I just want to win. That’s what I’m going to come here and try and do.”
See the club’s YouTube channel to watch the full interview.
