Sylvian signs on- Kwabs to follow?

Invicta sign one defender, and hope for a second

Folkestone Invicta have completed the signing of fullback Sylvian Kisutu and hope to agree terms with former Tooting, Nuneaton and Grays Athletic defender/midfielder Kwabs Osei in the next few days. Both have impressed in Folkestone’s two pre-season games so far along with close season signings Kieron McCann and Ade Yusuff.

“These lads are a breath of fresh air,” said happy manager Neil Cugley. “They like the club and want to be down here, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Ugandan born Kisutu, who is still only in his early 20s, played for Swindon Town as a youngster before moving to Wrexham for a spell. He appeared as a second-half substitute for Leatherhead at the Fullicks Stadium in Jimmy Bullard’s first game as a manager last November, but lost his place through injury and ended last season with Ryman North VCD Athletic.

“He can play on the right or left, and we need players who can fulfil several positions” said the manager.

Big Kwabs Osei (pictured) looked good at centre back in the 2-2 draw with Millwall and Cugley is keen for him to solve the problem left by the departure of former club captain Liam Friend in the summer. “Losing Friendy was always going to be the biggest problem, but I like what I’ve seen of Kwabs and we’re hoping to tie things up in the next week or so. He likes playing in midfield, too, but it’s at centre half where we need him for the moment at least.”
Osei’s previous clubs include Chatham Town, Tooting & Mitcham and Grays Athletic, where he played last season.

Folkestone will take a strong squad to Herne Bay on Wednesday for the friendly arranged as part of Sam Hasler’s transfer from the Winch’s Field club last season though one or two players will be missing. “A lot of our players are in coaching and teaching so have to take their breaks in the school holidays, but that’s a problem we’ve grown used to over the last few seasons” says Cugley.

Herne Bay are now managed by successful former Sittingbourne development bosses John Embery and Jermaine Darlington, the well-travelled former Dover Athletic midfielder. The pair moved to Winch’s Field to replace Sam Denly who stepped down at the end of last season.And it is one of Darlington’s former clubs, Dover Athletic, who visit the Fullicks Stadium on Saturday for Invicta’s third home pre-season game (3pm kick-off).

“We’ve played well in the two games so far, but haven’t really been tested” said boss Cugley. “Dover will be different of course, and we all realise that!”

Words and pictures courtesy of Mick Cork, Folkestone Invicta

Where next?

FEATURE: Running up that Hill It’s been a hard climb but the Hillians can finally glimpse the summit
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