7 minute read
the squad
Mars Marciniak - central Midfield
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Mars got a clean sweep of club awards last season after several dazzling displays where he routinely dribbled past four or five players before scoring or assisting. ‘The Holy Headband’ will be one to watch now we’ve moved up two levels – can he keep it going?
Daniel aDjei - Forward
Having spent many successful years with Hashtag United, Daniel holds the permanent honour of being AFC Whyteleafe’s first ever goalscorer with his second half effort on 4th September 2021 against Earlsfield FC in a 1-0 victory. At the time of writing he’s the only squad member with more Instagram followers than the club and has the strength and pace to give fullbacks nightmares. joe conDon – Forward
With 22 goals and 10 assists in 26 games last season, Joe was our top scorer and someone we are delighted to retain for this season. A physical presence, able to hold the ball up as well as great finishing and even a bit of tekkers. He’s not known for his extravagant celebrations but rumour has it he once smiled after scoring from the halfway line in a league game last season.
saM keeFe – centre Back
Sam joined us in the summer having played for South Park and Worthing previously. He left Charlton Athletic only a couple of years ago having come through the youth ranks there and into the U23s. He captained their U18s side and now commands the back line for the ‘Leafe!
nick inwugwu centre Back/Defensive Midfield
Voted by the club’s supporters as our most improved player last season playing at centre back, Nick has returned to play for us at a higher level and has started the season superbly deputising in midfield. His versatility and willingness to work hard for the team make him a very important member of the squad.
george wilkshire – centre Back
Another Kinetic graduate, George has been part of the AFC Whyteleafe story from the beginning having had a spell in the US previously. Another fantastic leader and fansfavourite. Thoroughly unafraid of throwing his body on the line, George has been everpresent so far this season and will forever be remembered for his halfway line goal against Wimbledon Casuals last season! TeMi alaka – Forward
We’ve asked him a few times about his football background but he’s so fast we weren’t able to get a response! Having stepped up three levels to join us in the summer, Temi was brought in initially as a member of our U23 squad but after impressing in pre-season he’s played every game for the first team and after five games is our top scorer with three goals.
Buruk TeDros – central Midfield
Buruk, Buruk, Buruk is on fire! Another Kinetic graduate, Buruk is one of two players sat on top of our all-time appearance list and for good reason. You’ll struggle to find a more consistent performer than him as he quietly goes about his business in the middle of the pitch. Excellent range of passing and great vision, we’re proud to have him. gus warD – Forward
After 16 goals in 14 games last season we’re looking forward to seeing what Gus can do. After coming through the Kinetic Academy he went to play in the US for a while before coming back to the UK and signing up for AFC Whyteleafe. Lethal in attack and not embarrassed to sing his own song (“Gus, Gus, baby” in case you’re wondering), he has no mercy and no shame.
nile waiTe – Forward
Yes – another Kinetic graduate! Nile joined us in the summer from Edgware & Kingsbury FC where he had a very successful season in Step 5. An exciting player who can play centrally as well as wide, he’ll be responsible for leaving many defenders on their backsides over the course of the season!
DaviD Boorer – goalkeeper
Club captain - David has been with us since the start having followed manager Kelly Waters from Balham B. A great vocal presence as well as a reliable stopper, you can also find him between the sticks for Selhurst on a Sunday. So far it’s one penalty faced, one penalty saved for the season.
jiMMy PenFolD – goalkeeper
U23s captain as well as a very reliable backup for the first team, Jimmy returned to Church Road having played for the previous Whyteleafe FC at youth level, breaking into the first team before taking a break from football. Like David, Jimmy has also faced and saved one penalty for the first team this season. kane orleBar – right Back
Arguably the hardest working player in the team. ‘The Archer’ joined AFC Whyteleafe initially as a forward before making the transition to full back late last season. Works tirelessly on and off the ball and if you get a chance to watch our highlights, you’ll always see him perform for the camera regardless of whether he had any involvement in our goal. Likes a speech.
Dani wilson – left Back
Dani is our newest graduate of Kinetic Academy having joined us in the summer from Holland Sports. Possessing great technical ability as well as being able to read the game superbly, he gives us an attacking threat as well as defensive soundness.
yuyi kaBanje – Defensive Midfield
Following 24 appearances last season, we’re looking forward to welcoming Yuyi back to the squad following an injury picked up in pre-season. One of the most consistent performers in the squad, he’s able to dictate tempo and control the midfield with his no-nonsense approach. Makes everything look easy and extremely comfortable!
alTon leewarD – Defensive Midfield The very versatile Alton Leeward has been given the nickname ‘pillow foot’ for his ability to control the ball at almost any pace. He also possesses an extraordinary range of passing. Usually in a defensive midfield role but also found at full back, Alton is a player who can change a game with one pass. ivan karaivanov – central Midfield
Ivan joined us in the summer having previously played in his native Bulgaria. His fearless and energetic style of play have made him a bit of a cult hero at Church Road already. Thoroughly unafraid of a tackle, and willing to chase down absolutely everything – he’s everything you want to see from someone playing in the middle of the pitch!
reece PayTon – right Back
A young player who has already amassed a lot of experience at AFC Croydon Athletic, Sutton Common Rovers and Lingfield, Reece came in over the summer to provide some healthy competition at right back. He’s done just that with excellent performances in both the U23s and the first team! Quick, strong and a great crosser of the ball, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Reece in this team. iBrahiMa kalil Diawara – Forward
The winner of the end of season squad race in 2021-22; Ibra is your classic tricky winger. Whether it’s running onto a through ball or playing one himself, he has the ability to entertain and to be a match winner. On his way back from an injury sustained in pre-season, the Church Road faithful haven’t yet been able to show off their ‘Ibra Kadabra’ chants – but once he gets going he can give a defender real problems.
MaTThias louis – central Midfield
Your classic dogged central midfielder, Matthias is a player who won’t let an opponent settle. If you give him a splitsecond he’ll be in your face and breaking up play. An injury-plagued 2021-22 season reduced him to only 10 appearances but in that time he played against sides at our current level and had a big impact on those games.
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