Cole Kpekawa Explained

Cole Kpekawa
Fullname:Cole Desmond Kpekawa[1]
Birth Date:20 May 1996
Birth Place:Blackpool, England
Position:Centre back
Currentclub:Oxford City
Youthclubs1:Queens Park Rangers
Years1:2014–2016
Clubs1:Queens Park Rangers
Caps1:6
Goals1:0
Years2:2014–2015
Clubs2:Colchester United (loan)
Caps2:4
Goals2:0
Years3:2015
Clubs3:Portsmouth (loan)
Caps3:2
Goals3:0
Years4:2015–2016
Clubs4:Leyton Orient (loan)
Caps4:9
Goals4:0
Years5:2016–2017
Clubs5:Barnsley
Caps5:7
Goals5:0
Years6:2017–2018
Clubs6:Colchester United
Caps6:6
Goals6:0
Years7:2018–2019
Clubs7:St Mirren
Caps7:4
Goals7:0
Years8:2019
Clubs8:Billericay Town
Caps8:7
Goals8:0
Years9:2019–2020
Clubs9:AS Trenčín
Caps9:1
Goals9:0
Years10:2020–2021
Clubs10:Chelmsford City
Caps10:11
Goals10:0
Years11:2021–2022
Clubs11:Hemel Hempstead Town
Caps11:37
Goals11:3
Years12:2022–2023
Clubs12:Maidenhead United
Caps12:25
Goals12:3
Years13:2023–2024
Clubs13:Bromley
Caps13:7
Goals13:0
Years14:2023
Clubs14:Oxford City (loan)
Caps14:4
Goals14:1
Years15:2024
Clubs15:Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
Caps15:6
Goals15:0
Years16:2024–
Clubs16:Oxford City
Caps16:0
Goals16:0
Nationalyears1:2015
Nationalteam1:England U20
Nationalcaps1:4
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:20:08, 28 April 2024 (UTC)

Cole Desmond Kpekawa (born 20 May 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Oxford City.

Club career

Queens Park Rangers

Born in Blackpool,[2] Kpekawa came through the Academy at Queens Park Rangers.[3] He signed a two-year scholarship with the club in July 2012 at the age of 16.[1] On 2 April 2014, he signed his first professional contract on a one-year deal.[4] [5]

Kpekawa joined League One side Colchester United for an initial one-month loan deal on 20 November 2014.[6] He made his professional debut against Coventry City at the Colchester Community Stadium in a 1–0 League One defeat on 22 November.[7] After making four appearances for Colchester, his loan was extended for a further month until 24 January 2015.[8] He made six appearances for Colchester, four in League One and two in the FA Cup.

On 19 March 2015, he was loaned to League Two side Portsmouth until the end of the season.[9] He made his debut on 21 March in a 1–0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon where he played the full 90-minutes.[10] He was recalled from his loan at Portsmouth by QPR on 20 April having made two first-team appearances.[11]

On returning to QPR, Kpekawa made his debut for the club as an 85th-minute substitute for Yun Suk-young in a 5–1 Premier League defeat to Leicester City on 24 May 2015.[12]

On 19 November 2015, he joined League Two side Leyton Orient in an initial one-month loan deal.[13] He made his debut two days later on 21 November as an early substitute in a 3–2 league win against York City.[14] His loan was extended in December 2015,[3] and again in January 2016 to remain with the O's until 1 March 2016.[15] He was recalled from his loan by parent club QPR on 1 February 2016 after making nine appearances for Orient.[16]

Barnsley

After struggling to hold down a first-team place at Queens Park Rangers, Championship rivals Barnsley signed Kpekawa for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £450,000, on 31 August 2016. He agreed a three-year contract with the club.[17] [18] He made his Barnsley debut on 10 September 2016 as a late substitute in their 2–1 win at Preston North End.[19] However, after only four starts, Kpekawa found himself out of the first-team picture as manager Paul Heckingbottom preferred to play right-back Andy Yiadom out of position at left-back, while the club coaches worked with Kpekawa to suit a more central role.[20]

Colchester United

Having made only seven league appearances for Barnsley, Kpekawa made a permanent return to his former loan club Colchester United on 17 July 2017.[21] He signed an initial one-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[22] He made his second Colchester United debut on 5 August as a substitute in their 3–1 defeat at Accrington Stanley.[23]

After failing to establish himself in Colchester's first-team and having not made an appearance since January 2018, Kpekawa left the club by mutual consent on 13 April 2018.[24]

St Mirren

On 13 July 2018, it was announced that Kpekawa had signed a two-year deal with St Mirren after a successful trial period with the Scottish Premiership side.[25] Kpekawa made his debut for the club on the same day, starting in a 0–0 draw with Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup.[26] After failing to break into the first team at Saints, he was released by mutual consent in January 2019.[27]

AS Trenčín

On 20 August 2019, Kpekawa joined Fortuna Liga side AS Trenčín on a multi-year contract following a spell with Billericay Town.[28]

Kpekawa made his Fortuna Liga debut against Zemplín Michalovce on 14 September 1019.[29] In his debut match, Kpekawa was sent off in the 9th minute of the match, after he broke a leg of 18 year old Matej Trusa. Later that day, Trusa was diagnosed with a double fracture of his right leg. It was expected to take approximately 12 months until he recovers.[30] Trusa, however, managed to return in 6 months. On 20 September 2019, Kpekawa was suspended for six months by the disciplinary committee of Slovak Football Association for his foul on Trusa.[31]

Non-League

On 30 October 2020, Kpekawa signed for National League South club Chelmsford City.[32]

On 2 June 2021, Chelmsford announced fellow National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town had signed Kpekawa.[33]

On 27 May 2022, Kpekawa joined National League club Maidenhead United.[34] He was released at the end of the season.[35]

He joined Bromley for the 2023-24 season.[36] In November 2023, he joined Oxford City on loan.[37] In February 2024, he was loaned to Kidderminster Harriers until the end of the season.[38] Following Bromley's promotion, Kpekawa departed the club at the end of the 2023–24 season.[39]

In July 2024, Kpekawa returned to National League North side Oxford City on a permanent deal following a loan spell with the club the previous season.[40]

International career

Kpekawa was born in England and is of Sierra Leone descent.[41] On 3 September 2015, following an injury to Kean Bryan of Manchester City, Kpekawa was called up to the England under-20 squad for their match against the Czech Republic.[42] Two days later he made his international debut as the Czech Republic were defeated 5–0. He featured for the full 90-minutes.[43]

He was again called up to the under-20 squad for the Mercedes-Benz Elite Cup in Germany, where England would play the Netherlands, Turkey and Germany.[44] He started in England's 2–1 win against Turkey and featured as a substitute in their 1–0 defeat by Germany as England ended the competition as runners-up.[45]

Style of play

Kpekawa primarily plays as a left-back but can also operate as a centre-back. Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom described him as "tall, quick, strong, with a good left foot".[46]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Queens Park Rangers2014–15Premier League100010
2015–16Championship50002070
2016–17Championship00001010
Total60003090
Colchester United (loan)2014–15League One4020000060
Portsmouth (loan)2014–15League Two20000020
Leyton Orient (loan)2015–16League Two90000090
Barnsley2016–17Championship70000070
Colchester United2017–18League Two6000101080
St Mirren2018–19Scottish Premiership4000400080
Billericay Town2018–19National League South7000000070
AS Trenčín2019–20Slovak Super Liga1000000010
Chelmsford City2020–21National League South110000010120
Hemel Hempstead Town2021–22National League South373200010403
Maidenhead United2022–23National League253000020273
Bromley2023–24National League6010000070
Oxford City (loan)2023–24National League4100000041
Career total12975080501477

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of Players Registered as Scholars in Accordance with Rule C.3 Between 01/07/2012 and 31/07/2012 . 31 May 2012 . The FA . PDF . 9 . 27 July 2017 .
  2. Web site: Barnsley . FootballSquads . 27 July 2017 .
  3. Web site: Cole Kpekawa: Leyton Orient extend QPR defender's loan deal . 17 December 2015 . BBC Sport . 27 July 2017 .
  4. Web site: Cole Kpekawa signs pro deal . https://web.archive.org/web/20141221222343/http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/020414-cole-kpekawa-signs-pro-deal-1463631.aspx . 21 December 2014 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 2 April 2014 . 21 December 2014 .
  5. Web site: List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/04/2014 and 30/04/2014 . 30 April 2014 . The FA . PDF . 2 . 27 July 2017 .
  6. Web site: QPR youngster Cole Kpekawa joins Colchester United . 20 November 2014 . BBC Sport . 28 November 2014 .
  7. Web site: Colchester United 0–1 Coventry City . 22 November 2014 . BBC Sport . 28 November 2014 .
  8. Web site: Cole Kpekawa extends Colchester stay . https://web.archive.org/web/20141221223141/http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/cole-kpekawa-qpr-colchester-united-loan-2153007.aspx . 21 December 2014 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 19 December 2014 . 21 December 2014 .
  9. Web site: Portsmouth sign Nyron Nosworthy and Cole Kpekawa on loan . 19 November 2015 . BBC Sport . 27 July 2017 .
  10. Web site: AFC Wimbledon 1–0 Portsmouth . 21 March 2015 . BBC Sport . 20 April 2015 .
  11. Web site: Cole Kpekwawa recalled from Portsmouth loan . 20 April 2015 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 21 April 2015 .
  12. Web site: Leicester City 5–1 Queens Park Rangers . Canavan . Steve . 24 May 2015 . BBC Sport . 27 July 2017 .
  13. Web site: News: O's add QPR defender on loan . 19 November 2015 . Leyton Orient FC . 19 November 2015 .
  14. Web site: Leyton Orient 3–2 York City . 21 November 2015 . BBC Sport . 27 July 2017 .
  15. Web site: News: Kpekawa extends O's stay . 21 January 2016 . Leyton Orient FC . 27 July 2017 .
  16. Web site: Cole Kpekawa recalled from Orient loan . 1 February 2016 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 1 February 2016 .
  17. Web site: Barnsley: QPR's Cole Kpekawa, Wigan's Sam Morsy and Celtic's Saidy Janko sign . 31 August 2016 . BBC Sport . 31 August 2016 .
  18. News: 4 October 2016 . Kpekawa loving life with Barnsley; Wales call-up for Bradshaw . The Star . Sheffield . 27 July 2017 .
  19. Web site: Preston North End 1–2 Barnsley . 10 September 2016 . BBC Sport . 27 July 2017 .
  20. News: 25 November 2016 . Coaches working hard with 'centre-back' Kpekawa . Barnsley Chronicle . Barnsley . 28 July 2017 .
  21. Web site: Cole Kpekawa: Colchester United sign Barnsley defender . 17 July 2017 . BBC Sport . 28 July 2017 .
  22. News: Waldron . Jonathan . 17 July 2017 . Colchester United seal Cole Kpekawa switch . Daily Gazette . Colchester . 28 July 2017 .
  23. Web site: Accrington Stanley 3–1 Colchester United . 5 August 2017 . BBC Sport . 5 August 2017 .
  24. News: Marston . Carl . 13 April 2018 . Cole Kpekawa departs Colchester United . Green'Un . Ipswich . 14 April 2018 .
  25. Web site: Kpekawa sign for Saints. St Mirren. 13 July 2018.
  26. Web site: Kilmarnock 0-0 St Mirren: Alan Stubbs eyes 'marquee' striker signings for Buddies. BBC. 14 July 2018.
  27. Web site: Cole Kpekawa leaves. St Mirren. 21 January 2019. 21 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190122044349/https://www.stmirren.com/news/club/all-news/2508-cole-kpekawa-leaves. 22 January 2019. dead.
  28. Web site: A-TÍM V KABÍNE OBRANCA SO SKÚSENOSŤOU Z PREMIER LEAGUE. AS Trenčín. 20 August 2019. 21 August 2019. Slovak.
  29. https://ulk.futbalnet.sk/zapas/426370/ MFK Zemplín Michalovce - AS Trenčín 2:1
  30. News: Víťazstvo cez slzy, Šoltis: Verím, že Trusa sa vráti, mal skvele našliapnuté. 14 September 2019. 15 September 2019. Profutbal.sk.
  31. News: Kpekawa z AS Trenčín dostal exemplárny trest za zlomenie nohy Matejovi Trusovi. 20 September 2019. 20 September 2019. Šport.sk.
  32. Web site: Chelmsford City sign defender Cole Kpekawa. Chelmsford City. 31 October 2020. 30 October 2020.
  33. Web site: Cole Kpekawa departure. Chelmsford City. 2 June 2021. 2 June 2021.
  34. Web site: Welcome to York Road, Cole Kpekawa. www.pitchero.com/clubs/maidenheadunited. 27 May 2022. 27 May 2022.
  35. Web site: Retained list details announced. maidenheadunitedfc.org. 3 June 2023.
  36. Web site: Cole Kpekawa becomes second summer signing. bromleyfc.co.uk. 19 June 2023 . 19 June 2023.
  37. https://www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk/oxford-city-sign-cole-kpekawa
  38. https://harriers.co.uk/news/2024/02/24/bromley-duo-boost-ranks/
  39. Web site: BROMLEY FC RELEASED AND RETAINED LIST 2024/25. www.bromleyfc.co.uk. 31 May 2024. 20 July 2024.
  40. Web site: Cole Kpekawa joined Oxford City permanently. www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk. 19 July 2024. 20 July 2024.
  41. Web site: Cole Kpekawa :: Cole Desmond Kpekawa :: Chelmsford City.
  42. Web site: Cole Kpekawa called into England under-20 squad . 3 September 2015 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 3 September 2015 .
  43. Web site: England U20s kick-off with 5-0 win at St. George's Park . https://web.archive.org/web/20220610200733/http://www.thefa.com/news/england/development/2015/sep/u20s-czech-republic-sgp-050915 . 10 June 2022 . live . Nicholas . Veevers . The FA . 5 September 2015 . 5 September 2015 .
  44. Web site: Cole Kpekawa added to England U20 squad . 4 October 2015 . Queens Park Rangers FC . 4 October 2015 .
  45. Web site: The Under 20's . England Football Online . 28 July 2017 .
  46. Web site: Cole Kpekawa Is A Red! . 31 August 2016 . Barnsley FC . 28 July 2017 .