NAME: GEOFREY OKONKWO

SHIRT: NO. 6

POSITION: CENTRE-BACK

Team you support and your childhood footballing hero?

Arsenal and Thierry Henry

How did you join Hamlet?

I joined this season after one conversation with 'The Gaffa' earlier in the summer. It’s a club that’s close to home, which means a lot and the thought of being part of a side that restores the pride and respect Dulwich used to have was an exciting challenge.

Where do you play?

In the middle of the back line – I'm happy to play either side. I used to be a striker growing up. But those days are long gone. In my mind, I believe I could still put in a shift as a 'target man' if ever required!

What other clubs have
you played for previously? 

Chelmsford City, Whitehawk, Cray Wanderers, VCD, Grays Athletic, amongst others...

Any trophies in the cabinet? 

2023/24 Step 4 Playoff Final win with Bowers & Pitsea. I was their Player of the Year that season having been both that and Young Player of the Year at Grays back in 2022.

Who would you consider the best player you've ever played alongside and why? 

Joe Taylor and Bradley Pritchard at Cray Wanderers. Joe's goalscoring record speaks for itself. It was always a battle against him in training and that has made me a better player. Bradley played in the EFL with Charlton and Leyton Orient. He’s become the manager at Lewes for this season and it doesn’t surprise me – a great football brain.

Best moment in football? 

Playing football in Brazil with Adriano. I went there a couple years ago for a friends football tournament. He didn’t speak much English, but he was really friendly and down to earth. I have a signed shirt from him! As far as playing goes, definitely winning promotion with Bowers in 2024. We were underdogs from the start to the end so it was nice to prove everyone wrong. It was also my first Senior winners medal. 

Best goal you've ever scored? 

There's not many to choose from, so I’d say my Playoff Final penalty for Bowers in '24

Favourite moment at Hamlet?

The trip to Germany. It really brought all the boys together and we gelled quickly. I think it’s a big part of the reason we’ve started the season so well, even though we are a new team. Seeing all the fans in their numbers makes you realise it's a special club 

Hopes and ambitions for the season ahead?

Get into the playoffs. People won’t expect much after where the club finished last season, but I think we’ve already shown that we’re capable of beating any team. 

Favourite other sports?

NFL, NBA Basketball and Athletics. I can happily spend hours watching all three.

If you could change one rule in football, what would it be?

Stop the clock whenever the ball goes out of play like in Basketball or Rugby. In most games ‘Injury Time’ seems a random guess and more importantly, it would reduce time wasting and make the game more entertaining.