Fans taking in a Wanderers games in Halifax, NS. Photo: HFX Wanderers.
The Halifax Wanderers have turned to one of the most recognizable coaches in Canadian soccer, hiring former Vancouver Whitecaps boss Vanni Sartini as the club’s new head coach and general manager.
The announcement was made Wednesday at a press conference in downtown Halifax.
Wanderers founder and president Derek Martin said the club was looking for a proven winner who could elevate the team into championship territory. Sartini’s track record in MLS made him stand out immediately.
Sartini coached the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2021 to 2024, leading the club to three consecutive Voyageurs Cup victories and three MLS playoff appearances. He also helped shape the roster that reached the MLS Cup Final this past weekend. Known for his energy on the sidelines and his ability to motivate players, he quickly became a fan favourite in Vancouver.
“Excited to be part of this community”
Sartini says joining Halifax is an opportunity to take on a new challenge while embracing one of the most passionate fanbases in Canada.
“I’m excited to be joining the Wanderers and being a part of this ambitious project to build on the last few years and win a championship,” he said. “We will give 150 percent to bring joy and excitement to the fanbase, and I’m looking forward to being part of this community.”
Originally from Florence, Sartini began coaching in Italy with Mezzana and Luco di Mugello before moving into assistant roles with Livorno and Bari, including a season that saw Livorno promoted to Serie A.
He joined the Vancouver Whitecaps organization in 2019 as an assistant coach, later becoming the club’s director of methodology and U-23 head coach. He oversaw Vancouver’s player development system before taking over the MLS first team as interim head coach in 2021, eventually earning the full-time job.
In Halifax, Sartini will take on a dual position as head coach and general manager.
That means he’ll oversee the Wanderers’ first team, shape the club’s playing philosophy, and lead player development — a structure the Wanderers believe will help them push toward title contention in 2026.
Martin said the club faced strong competition for Sartini’s services, but his decision to choose Halifax and the Canadian Premier League shows the progress the club and league have made.
