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KAFRA FC 2030/31 TEAM REVIEW CHAMPIONSHIP: 12th Place – FA CUP: 3rd Round – CARABAO CUP: 2nd Round The trend upwards continues – after two straight seasons of finishing in 14th Place, the club made the slight jump up the table to 12th Place, the highest position in club history. The Championship Play-Offs positions continue to be a step too high for the club as they finish up their third season in the division, but improvements all across the squad has been noticeable, especially on the offensive end. In fact, the team ranked as the best team on offense in the Championship, which was then evened out by the team also being the worst defensive squad in the division. Let’s start at the far back, at the GK position. Stephen Barrett has been a rock in the back since the club’s first season in 2022/23, so it took some adjusting for both the player and the fans to see someone else manning the posts. That person is 17-year-old Jared Hinchliffe, who played in 26 Games as compared to Barrett’s 20 Games this season. Although there can be no question that Barrett is currently the better of the two, it is the latter that has bounds of potential that the club is looking to harness. His growing pains were a part of the reason the team did so bad defensively, but not the only one. The backline continued to struggle throughout the season, making numerous mistakes that cost the team dearly. In fact, outside of Pearce Mciver-Hauser (who spent just as much time playing as CM), no defender managed to register above 6.90 AR, with only DC Jim Hoy getting close with 6.86 AR. There is hope, however, in the form of two 17-year-old defenders – Belgian left-back Edison Dosti and English/Nigerian DC Kingsley Folorunsho. Both struggled this season despite ample playing time, but the ’29 Youth Class graduates both hold 5/5 PA ratings along with their 2/5 CA rating. Throughout the season, the Kafra midfield and frontline played seamlessly off of each other, with the wings being the intermediary between the two a lot of the time. Whether it was down the right wing, in the middle of the pitch, or in the opponents goalbox, the Kafra offense fired on all cylinders, ending the season with 85 Goals, the best in the Championship. An incredible 38 Goals came from Tom Dawson, who delivered arguably the finest season of any player in Kafra history and cemented himself in the club’s folklore forever. In the middle of the pitch, the emergence of 22-year-old Hungarian midfielder Bendeguz Mari upended the known order the middle of the pitch and forced Ni Ezz to start running more plays directly through the middle as opposed to mostly down the wings. Continuous investment in the club by owner/manager Ni Ezz has resulted in some of the best facilities – both youth and training – in the world, and he continues to try to recruit the finest coaches money can buy. The Kafra Youth Academy campuses – both in London and in Accra – have seen upgrades and feature some of the newest technologies in the world. The first year at Kafra Stadium was a success – although attendance was not full capacity, they still filled up most of the stadium and the investment has easily been worth it. As the players now begin entering their prime years, it exciting to see what they can accomplish – it is not out of the realm of possibility to see them begin challenging for the rights to try to make the Premier League. KEY PLAYERS TOM DAWSON Striker – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 26 ('22 Youth Class) Tom Dawson captured his fourth Kafra Player of the Year award, and there was no doubt who the best player on the team was during the 2030/31 season. In fact, the Kafra FC vice-captain was the best player in the entire Championship, and as such won its most prestigious award – the 2031 Championship Player of the Year. He was the division’s Top Goalscorer winner with an incredible 38 Goals, the second Kafra player to win that award in the past three years, with Guiller having done it in 2028/29 with 30 of his own. The star forward, who is a local boy born in Crawley (just down the road from Kafra FC), also added 5 Assists, 9 PoMs, 19 CCC, 79% PC, 52% ST, and 7.41 AR, a career-high mark and best in the Championship. He broke Kafra’s single goal record when he netted 5 against Doncaster in March, and now holds the record for Kafra’s single season goal haul with 39 Goals. Although Ojo might be the club’s most popular player, Dawson is starting to leave very little doubt that he is its greatest and best. BENDEGUZ MARI Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder (Centre) – Hungary (1 Cap) – Age: 22 ('25 Youth Class) He showed signs of patching it all together last season, and his manager Ni Ezz put his backing behind him and named him as the starter at MC alongside Rendell just before the first game kicked off this season. It was obvious from the get-go that Mari had elevated his game, but it was only when Guiller went down with a groin injury that Mari exploded onto the scene. With no reliable striker to play alongside Dawson, Ni Ezz drew up a new 4-5-1 based formation that featured Mari playing as a trequartista behind Dawson and ahead of Rendell and Mciver-Hauser. The results were instantaneous, and Ezz stuck with the formation for the duration of the season, even after Guiller had made a full recovery. The result for Mari can be seen in his numbers: in 38 Games, he registered career-highs of 7 Goals, 13 Assists (4th in league), 4 PoMs, and 7.20 AR, up from 6.90 AR last season. He also registered 20 CCC, 81% PC, 1.49 KP/90, 1.40 T/90, 2.61 INT/90, 4.01 PrC/90, 1.57 D/90, and earned his first Cap for his nation. In other words, a complete player who was very active on both sides of the pitch and the ball. Ezz has gone on the record and said Mari is the best player the KYA has ever produced thus far, and the player – who has been described as “driven and mature” – continues to show good growth and development. KADY RENDELL Midfielder (Centre) – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 26 ('22 Youth Class) The captain has always been instrumental to the plan put in place by Ni Ezz, despite critics saying he simply does not have enough talent to be efficient at the Championship level. The ‘Model Professional’ has proven them wrong, however, and this season more than any other – in 37 Games, he registered 4 Goals, 7 Assists, and a career-high 7.17 AR, up from 7.03 AR last year. He also registered 22 CCC, 85% PC, 49.17 PC/90 (best on team), 1.81 T/90, 3.24 INT/90, and 4.65 PrC/90, giving the team a great-all around effort as Ezz continues to lean on him to be his voice on the pitch. He is the current holder of the all-time league appearance record for the club at 378, and he remains an automatic selection in the first team no matter what formation the team plays in. GANIYU ‘TURBO’ OJO Winger (Left)/Striker – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 25 ('22 Youth Class) It wasn’t Ojo’s finest season, but as always ‘Turbo’ was ever involved and present. The nagging injuries are starting to get more frequent due to his up-tempo style of play, and it limited him to only 35 Games this season as well as limited his mobility. He registered 7 Goals, 4 Assists (down from 8), and 6.89 AR, down from 7.02 AR the previous season. He put pen on paper on a new contract that will pay him £12.75K per week for the next three years, making him the second-highest paid on the squad. He is the most popular player on the team and he holds the record with five Kafra Player of the Year awards, and despite his somewhat inconsistent form, no one stirs the fans’ emotions as much as Ganiyu ‘Turbo’ Ojo. OTHER NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Stephen Barrett (20 Apps, 1.90 Con/90, 6.96 AR) will begin next season in an unfamiliar place – as the back-up to the No.1, a position he has held since the club’s first game. It will be an adjustment – for the player, for the club, for the fans – but Jared Hinchliffe’s potential is too impressive not to develop, in addition to certain aspects of the game he is already just as good at. Barrett has already made it known he would like to remain a starter, at Kafra or elsewhere, so it will be interesting to see how the 2031/32 season plays out…….Jim Hoy (42 Apps, 1.78 T/90, 4.55 Int/90, 2.30 Clr/90, 6.86 AR) led the league in a few defensive statistical categories, but it was mostly due to the fact that he was the most competent defender the team had this season. The squad’s most consistent defender, Hoy is described as a natural leader and continues to be one of the team’s leaders on the pitch and in the locker room…….There is reason for optimism in the back, however, with the emergence of Edison Dosti (24 Apps, 6.55 AR) and Kingsley Folorunsho (22 Apps, 6.44), despite disastrous seasons from the 17-year-old ’29 Youth Class products. The former is a Belgian left-back who, despite his young age and poor form, will go into the 2031/32 season as the starter at the position, while the latter is an English/Nigerian DC who will have to fight for his playing time going forward. Both prospects carry a 5*/5 PA rating, and the coaching staff are incredibly excited about the potential of both players…….The only other player under the age of 21 on the first team getting notable playing time is 18-year-old Welsh left winger Tony Davies (15 Apps, 3 Asts, 3.57 KP/90, 2.42 D/90, 6.96 AR), who is a graduate of the same ’29 Youth Class as the two players mentioned before him, although he only carries a 4/5 PA rating. He has all the right fundamentals – he works hard and has good speed – and has proven himself to be popular with the media. Together with Dosti, Folorunsho, and Hinchliffe, the group represents the finest talents under the age of 20 on the first team, and the future success of Kafra is currently placed on their shoulders. END OF SEASON

YOUTH INTAKE 2031 Easily the best Intake we have had thus far, on paper. The investment is paying off.

Excited for this! Following.

Nice start - let's see those first results!

KAFRA FC 2029/30 TEAM REVIEW CHAMPIONSHIP: 14th Place – FA CUP: 4th Round – CARABAO CUP: 3rd Round Two seasons in the Championship, two straight 14th Place finishes. This, of course, means that both seasons can be considered successes, considering Kafra was never in any real danger of getting into a relegation battle despite the Media Prediction of 24th Place and a trip back to the League One. In fact, for a while, Kafra were threatening to break into the Play-Off picture, but old habits die hard – inconsistency and lackluster effort in some games created a few winless streaks that put a dent in any hope of improving up the table. The defense went from conceding 77 Goals to 85, ranking as the 3rd worst defense in the Championship this season. There was a lot of talk about the back being simply too shaky, but with the club’s self-imposed no transfer policy, the Kafra Youth Academy has been under pressure to find and produce talented defenders. That mission is far from complete – in fact, every one of the back four starters is part of the 2022 inaugural season team that were recruited prior to the KYA being set up. As bad as the team was in the back, it was equally impressive up front. Last season, striker Christopher Guiller led the league with 30 Goals – this season, club legend Tom Dawson was not that far off with 27 Goals of his own to go with Guiller’s 20 Goals. The 80 Goals Scored by Kafra was good enough for 6th best in the Championship, driven by its energetic midfielders and wingers – Danish winger Per Bruun’s 12 Assists was good enough for 9th best in the Championship. But that brings back the main point of criticism that has rung loud over the past couple of years – there is only one player (Hungarian Bendeguz Mari) who the KYA has produced that has broken into the starting eleven. There are three players on the team with a 5/5 PA rating – Mari, 16-year-old rookie Jared Hinchliffe, and English/Nigerian 16-year-old DC Kingsley Folorunsho, who was part of the ’29 Youth Class. The 2022 boys are getting into the peak of their careers now, but the KYA will need to start showcasing the club’s future over the next 5-7 years if it wants to stay competitive. Which is why the club has invested heavily in both its training and youth facilities – it has some of the best Junior Coaches anywhere in the world and the Training Facilities have now been classified as Good. There still needs to be additional investment in the Youth Facilities themselves and the Youth Recruitment team, but the foundation is there for the KYA to start delivering top notch prospects. KEY PLAYERS TOM DAWSON Striker – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 25 ('22 Youth Class) For the third time in his and club history, Dawson captured the Kafra Player of the Year award, the only other player not named Ojo who has won it. He didn’t reach his teammate Guiller’s 30 goals from last season (leading the league), but his 27 were good enough to lead the team this year and finish 4th in the Top Goalscorer running. Kafra’s all-time leading goalscorer, Dawson has been arguably most important and influential player on the pitch throughout the club’s history. In addition, he also registered 3 Assists, 3 PoMs, 52% Shot Target, and 7.19 AR, up from 6.92 AR last season and his highest mark since his rookie year’s 7.21 AR in the League Two. There is little debating that ‘Turbo’ Ojo is the most popular figure (thus far) in club history, but Dawson continues to lay claim as its GOAT – no other player has been as consistent with his performances (7.07 AR career average), as well as currently countless club records. The Championship’s Player of the Month in January having scored 7 Goals during the month, the local striker from Crawley has been described as a ‘Model Professional’, a primary reason he remains the only Vice-Captain the club has had. PER BRUUN Winger (R) – Denmark – Age: 25 ('22 Youth Class) After an injury-played 2028/29 season, Bruun feared the worst when he started this one by picking up a hernia in his first game, ruling him out until mid-September. After that, however, he was home-free, not picking up another injury throughout the course of the rest of the season. In 36 Games, he registered 6 Goals, 12 Assists (9th in Championship), 3 PoMs, 3.08 KP/90, 17 CCC, 2.63 D/90, 3.18 T/90, and 7.05 AR, up from 7.00 AR last season. In other words, the right winger is perhaps the club’s most complete player, ranking near the top in both offensive and defensive statistical categories. This was the fifth straight year with Bruun registering over 10 Assists, bringing his total to 86 over the course of his career and making the club’s all-time Assists leader. Along with Dawson and Ojo, he is one of the club’s most popular players. KADY RENDELL Midfielder (Centre) – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 25 ('22 Youth Class) As reliable and involved as ever, the only Captain the club has ever known delivered another strong season. In 42 Games – he has played less than 40 Games just once in his 8-year career – he registered 4 Goals, 6 Assists, 2 PoMs, 18 CCC (Best on team), 42.58 PC/90, 1.57 KP/90, 2.35 INT/90, and 7.03 AR, up from 6.98 AR last season. He is the club’s motor in the middle, with his primary strengths being his durability and intelligence. He has a knack for scoring spectacular goals and was even awarded the Championship Goal of the Month in November. Part of England’s U20 team that came in second after losing to the USA at the 2023 U20 World Cup in Indonesia, the ‘Model Professional’ is entering the peak of his career with the hopes he can be the first Captain for the team in the Premier League. GANIYU ‘TURBO’ OJO Winger (L) – England (Capped at U20 level) – Age: 24 ('22 Youth Class) The most popular player in team history thus far, the English/Nigerian winger/striker continues to maintain a club record of 7.12 AR career average, higher than Dawson’s 7.07 AR. In 37 Games this season, he registered 7 Goals, 8 Assists, 2 PoMs, 16 CCC, 3.20 T/90, 1.55 D/90, and 7.02 AR, down from 7.12 AR last season. Getting his nickname because he seemingly has no OFF button when he gets on the pitch, ‘Turbo’ is considered a great professional and is considered one of the tree leaders of the team along with its two captains. No one has stoked the emotions of the Kafra faithful more than Ojo over the 2020s, and despite bouts of inconsistency, Ojo has mesmerized the fans and continues to do so more than ever. He was named in the Championship Team of the Week three times this season, and is known to have a great connection with his manager/coah Ni Ezz. OTHER NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The GK position has Stephen Barrett (40 Apps, 1.83 C/90, 8 CLNs, 6.96 AR), who has been one of the club’s most important and indispensable players throughout the 2020s. However, there have been ravings about 16-year-old Jared Hinchliffe (6 Apps, 2.00 C/90, 6.73 AR), who made his debut when Barrett went down with a hernia in mid-April. Although Barrett is in no immediate danger to lose his starting spot, if Hinchcliffe can show improvement and can grow/mature quickly, he will be challenging for that No.1 before he turns 20…….Perhaps the Kafra Youth Academy’s greatest graduate thus far, U21 Hungarian international Bendeguz Mari (34 Apps, 1 Goal, 6 Asts, 6.90 AR) looks set to become the permanent starter in the middle of the pitch alongside Rendell next season. Playing mostly a mezzala role, he thrived in the second half of the season, becoming a creative force for the team. The 21-year-old ended up being one of the team’s best passers and has started playing with a lot more confidence. He has registered 6.90+ AR for the past three seasons, Mari is 6’2’’ and his physically impressive and has been best described as ‘driven and mature’ while earning 38 U21 Caps for Hungary. In fact, there has been voices getting louder in his country to call him up to the main team…….Coming off his 30 Goal season in which he won the Championship’s Top Goalscorer award, Christopher Guiller (41 Apps, 20 Gls, 4 Asts, 4 PoMs, 6.96 AR) followed it up by scoring an impressive 20 Goals this year. With 142 League Goals over his career, he is the club’s second-leading all-time goalscorer behind Dawson, his partner up front. The 25-year-old Northern Ireland international (7 Caps) has developed a fantastic relationship both on and off the pitch with Dawson, but his spat with DC Jim Hoy did become public. The striker continues to be a quintessential team player, however, and has proven himself to be valuable to the team. END OF SEASON

YOUTH INTAKE 2030

KAFRA FC 2028/29 TEAM REVIEW CHAMPIONSHIP: 14th Place – FA CUP: 3rd Round – CARABAO CUP: 2nd Round Real life got in the way of playing FM, but I'm getting back into the save and excited about it - so much so that I'm just doing a short update so I can continue playing. Above is how our first season in the Championship went, with Guiller winning the Top Goalscorer award with 30 Goals being the highlight, along with our reasonably comfortably 14th Place.

YOUTH INTAKE 2029 The ’29 Youth Class has the potential to the be the best ever by the Kafra Youth Academy in its 8 year existence, having been called an ‘excellent’ group of prospects coming through this year. The regular batch of talented midfielders – which the KYA has specialized in the past few years – has come through, but the real excitement and hype is around the two English/Nigerian defenders in Kingsley Folorunsho and Francis Etim, both of whom are DCs. In addition to them is Belgian left-back Edison Dosti, who looks like he has the potential also break into the first team, which means for the first time, the focus will be on the defense and not the offense in the intake.

KAFRA FC 2027/28 TEAM REVIEW LEAGUE ONE: 3rd Place (Play-Off: Promoted; Beat Oxford and Rotherham) – FA CUP: 1st Round – CARABAO CUP: 2nd Round In Kafra FC’s six seasons of existence, they have spent five of them in the League One. The club’s initial season was 2022/23, where they took the footballing world by storm as a team of 16 and 17-year-olds and won the League Two title. It has been a steady climb up the League One ladder since then, culminating in their 3rd Place finish this season. This was the third straight year Kafra FC makes the League One Play-Offs, but it was the first season the club advanced past the Semi-Finals stage as they defeated Oxford United before winning the Play-Offs Finals 2-1 against Rotherham United and securing the much sought-after promotion to the Championship. It was not an easy-going season by any means, with several winning and winless streaks making the season interesting until they finally kicked it into fifth gear and finished the season off on a 10 game winning streak. This was done, as has become the norm, on the back of the Kafra offense, this year led by the League One Top Goalscorer with 30 Goals, Tom Dawson. This was the second season in his career that the 23-year-old has won the award, winning Kafra FC’s only nomination to the League One Select Team of the Year. The club scored 88 Goals in total, good enough to lead the League One in the category for the second straight season. For the second straight season, Kafra FC managed to qualify to the Play-Offs of the League One against heavy odds. Finishing in 5th Place (one spot ahead of their finish last year) on the backs of the league-best 72 Goals Scored, they were drawn with Salford City in the Semi-Finals of the Play-Offs. The problem? Salford were a team that – in 7 previous games – Kafra had never beat, drawing 3 times and losing 4 other times. These included a couple of 2-0 results in favor of Salford previously this season. Hopes were high, however, despite the club finishing the season on a four-game winless streak. The first game could not have gone any worse, as Kafra FC came away as losers in a 3-1 result that saw Salford continue their dominance over the south London club. The second leg was the true heart-breaker, however – they managed to pull off a 3-1 result over 90 minutes in Salford, including a dramatic last second goal from Christopher Guiller in the last second, before Salford scored the winning goals in the 100th minute, advancing to the Play-Offs Finals at the Lions’ expense. Still, despite the pain, the Kafra FC Lions walk away from this season with their heads held high – they improved their ranking again, and only a fool would bet against them finishing in a Play-Off spot next year, as well. They have established themselves as one of the premier – and most popular – clubs in the League One, and despite a mediocre defense that continues to rank in the bottom half, they will be one of the favorites for a promotion next season. As for this year, it was solid throughout. In fact, the team spent a number of weeks in the top two, and there was a point where automatic promotion was within reach. The primary factor, again, was the best offense in the league, led by Tom Dawson’s 18 Goals and Northern Irish international Christopher Guiller’s 14 Goals. Ironically, this was the first season that no one on the club eclipsed 20 Goals, yet their league-best 72 Goals was the highest in the League One. The usual suspects in the middle – captain Kady Rendell and Danish right winger Per Bruun – and between the sticks in Stephen Barrett rounded up the club’s top five players for the year, with the latter registering a career-high 7.01 AR. The Kafra Field expansion has now brought the capacity to 8,813, which is still entirely too small for a club whose fanbase is growing by the day. There was additional investment in the Kafra Youth Academy and the Kafra Training Centre during the year, as well, and the facilities continue to be improved year upon year. The starting eleven will continue playing together next year, incredibly for their 6th straight season. The media predicted the team to finish in 11th Place, so once again the expectations were eclipsed. The good news is that no one on the team has 23 yet! GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England: 5 U21 Caps) – Age: 23 ('22 Youth Class) When the summer kicked in after the team won its promotion to the Championship, the first thing manager Ni Ezz did was draw up Barrett’s new contract. Such is the GK’s importance to the team, and it will reflect in his new deal which will pay him £7.5k per week in the second richest contract in club history. No one is more deserving, especially as Barrett has had to deal with an inconsistent backline for the past few years yet continues to be one of the strongest GKs in the League One. This season, he registered 2 PoMs, 7 Clean Sheets (career-low), 2 PoMs, 1.21 C/90 (career-high), and 6.87 AR, while also ranking amongst the leaders in the League One in several important GK statistical categories. Now that the club will be competing in the Championship, he will certainly have a lot more eyes on him, some of which – clubs such as Milwall, Blackburn, Bournemouth – have already publicly expressed interest in Kafra’s No.1 despite Ezz’s pledge not to sell him this summer. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Gregory Olaofe (’27) made his debut in his rookie year, playing in one game in which he conceded 4 goals. The 16-year-old is obviously too young to be featured as a regular at the Championship level, but the Kafra BS remains excited about the potential of the young GK. He is 6’4” and is expected to still grow an inch or two more, so he has one important strength which cannot be taught – height. Outside of Olaofe, the prospects remain thin as the KYA continues to struggle to turn out quality GKs. DEFENDERS DC – JIM HOY (England: Capped U19) – Age: 23 ('22 Youth Class) The defense was the 7th worst in the League One this season, and there was no standout performer but for the second year in a row, Jim Hoy proved the most consistent and capable defender on the roster. In 45 Games, he registered 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 1 PoM, 1.19 C/90, and 6.95 AR, just around the same as the 6.96 AR from last season. A strong leader who just so happens to be one of the tallest footballers on the planet at 6’5”, Hoy has effectively become the voice of the backline. The local boy has become a crowd favorite, as well, and there has been some rumblings about a new contract now that the club has earned its promotion. It is widely assumed, however, that manager Ezz will get it sorted this summer as the player that the media has often described as a ‘Born Leader’ will continue to be the main cog of the backline going forward. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Again ranked as the 7th worst defense in the League One, the inconsistency of the performances has been the major issue. Pearce Mciver-Hauser (45 Apps, 5 Gls, 2 PoMs, 1.15 KP/90, 43.84 PC/90, 1.43 T/90, 6.93 AR) had a better year this season, upping his AR and generally being perhaps the only other reliable player in the backline. There is a lot of pressure being put on the staff bring Mustapha Annor (19, ’25 YC – 2 Apps, 6.90 AR) and Samuel Dempsey (17, ’27 YC) – the former has declared for Ghana but has found playing time limited despite making his debut during his rookie year, while the latter (who was born in Foxford, Ireland) will be looking to make his debut next season. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 23 ('22 Youth Class) Described as a ‘Model Professional’, the club captain had a weird season as compared to his previous ones – after scoring a career-high 7 Goals, he netted 0 this season, although he did up his assists to 7 in his 43 Games. His 6.98 AR was a noticeable drop from the 7.09 AR of last year, but that did not deter Ni Ezz from offering him the richest contract in club history thus far - £10.5k per week for the next three years. Considered one of the ‘Three Pillars’ of the First Generation of Kafra FC players along with Tom Dawson and Ganiyu Ojo, Rendell led the League One with 256 Pressures Completed and 774 Pressures Attempted, putting weight to the claim of being the league’s hardest working midfielder. There is absolutely nothing fancy about his game nor is he interested in anything other than the efficient. The only captain the club has ever known, and that will continue into next season. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 23 ('22 Youth Class) One of the team’s most important players, the Danish winger delivered his third straight season with 10+ Assists to his name. In 40 Appearances, he registered 2 Goals, 11 Assists, 3 PoMs, 3.07 KP/90, 2.79 T/90, 3.03 D/90, and 7.01 AR – his numbers were generally down from last year, and he missed the last part of the season thanks to a fractured wrist that will keep him out of a large part of the preseason, as well. That being said, Bruun has been a remarkably consistent offensive threat for the team since its first season and is now just starting to enter the prime of his career. Described as a ‘Model Professional’ by pundits and experts, he has registered 7.00+ AR in 5 of the 6 seasons he has played over the course of his career. The top teams in Denmark continue to chase after him, as they have done in each of the past few summers, and like those summers, Ni Ezz will not accept any transfers. AML (SC) – GANIYU ‘TURBO’ OJO (England: Capped at U20 level) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) The most popular player in club history so far, ‘Turbo’ had to give up his Kafra Player of the Year award but still had a great season. In 43 Games, he registered 14 Goals, 8 Assiss, 3 PoMs, 2.10 DpG, 54% ST, and 7.17 AR, almost the same as last year’s 7.16 AR. He did up his statistics in almost every significant category, including goals in which he went from 9 to 14. Out of the 6 Kafra Player of the Year awards that have been given out, Ojo has won 4 of them. He has easily been the club’s most popular figure through its first few years and can be considered a legend of Kafra FC without any doubt. He was given the nickname Turbo by his manager, an accurate description when watching the English/Nigerian winger barreling down the left flank. He will definitely be one of the most watched players on the team when they start playing in the Championship next season. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The most exciting prospect to be delivered by the KYA remained U21 Hungarian international Bendeguz Mari (19, ’25 YC – 22 Apps, 2 Gls, 40.63 PC/90, 6.93 AR), who continued to show good improvement. He is in line to make the step into the first team as Rendell’s permanent running mate in the starting eleven. His passing abilities have gotten better, and although there are some glaring weaknesses (his inability to cross the ball is one – he is dreadful) the excitement he brings to the game as well as the potential danger going forward makes him an intriguing player to watch. Outside of Mari, the deepest positions on the team continue to be in the midfield. There are four 4.5/5 PA prospects under the age of 21 on the squad, some of which will be playing a more pronounced role next season. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 23 ('22 Youth Class) Twice League One Top Goalscorer recipient, twice named in the League One Select, and also now twice Kafra Player of the Year. With Dawson, the promotion would probably not have happened – he led the League One with 30 Goals and Kafra FC with 7.17 AR. His final goal of the season – the last second missile against Oxford in the Play-Off Semi-Finals second leg – and the subsequent celebration with the almost rabid Kafra Field at that point was the perfect culmination to his season. A hero being embraced by his admirers with his arms wide open, knowing that the Championship had just become a real possibility. The vice-captain also registered 5 Assists, 6 PoMs, and his 7.17 AR was his highest since his rookie year in the League Two, delivering a great all-around season that surely catapulted Dawson into legendary status at the club along with Ojo. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Christopher Guiller (’22 – 36 Apps, 15 Gls, 4 Asts, 6.98 AR) continued to be the only reliable option up front for the squad, especially after the club sold Matthew Watkins for a deal that could become worth up to £4.2M if all the clauses kick in. This has left the club with only two strikers that would be able to make any sort of impression at the Championship level, with only Bentley Maton (26 Apps, 5 Gls, 2 PoMs, 6.98 AR) finding any sort of relevancy in the rotation so far. END OF SEASON

FM did an FM, but on my opponent!

YOUTH INTAKE 2028 MUMIN GUVEN POS: Defender (Left) – AGE: 15 – CA: 1/5, PA: 4/5, BS: 3.5/5 Strengths: Strong tackler; Determined individual with strong work-rate; Natural defensive skills and instincts. Weaknesses: Needs to get much stronger; Pace is an issue currently; Passing still needs work. Analysis: Born in the western part of London in 2012 (that is the year Gangam Style and Thrift Shop came out. Yes. We are that old), Guven has Turkish ancestry which makes him eligible for the Turkey national team set-up, as well. The left-back has the tough part down – he is a natural defender with natural defensive instincts. His tackling and timing are already very good for any age, although he still needs to do better reading his positioning. His strength and quickness need a lot of work, and his 5’10’’ height means he isn’t likely to ever be too much of a threat in the air. Manager Ni Ezz is said to be excited about the prospect and is looking for the youngster to break into the first team and start challenging for time at the left-back position. The BS (Backroom Staff) have given Guven a higher rating out of the KYA (3.5/5) than anyone from the ’27 Youth Class of last year, and there is already talk that Guven will be part of the first team setup next season. DAVID SMITH POS: Midfielder (Right) – AGE: 16 – CA: 1/5, PA: 3.5/5, BS: 2.5/5 Strengths: Already amongst quickest players on team; Team player; Has ability to learn and develop quickly. Weaknesses: Every facet of game needs work; Very one-footed; Mentality still shows immaturity. Analysis: There is a general agreement that there isn’t much to look at currently outside of the speed, but dear lord is that speed tantalizing. If he can get a step or two quicker, he could be a vital asset at this level of football. Till then, however, he will have to work on pretty much every part of the game. The ’28 Youth Class has been a shallow one, and with David Smith as its second-best player, it is looking like a step down from 2027.

KAFRA FC 2026/27 TEAM REVIEW LEAGUE ONE: 5th Place (Play-Off: First Round to Preston) – FA CUP: 3rd Round – CARABAO CUP: 1st Round For the second straight season, Kafra FC managed to qualify to the Play-Offs of the League One against heavy odds. Finishing in 5th Place (one spot ahead of their finish last year) on the backs of the league-best 72 Goals Scored, they were drawn with Salford City in the Semi-Finals of the Play-Offs. The problem? Salford were a team that – in 7 previous games – Kafra had never beat, drawing 3 times and losing 4 other times. These included a couple of 2-0 results in favor of Salford previously this season. Hopes were high, however, despite the club finishing the season on a four-game winless streak. The first game could not have gone any worse, as Kafra FC came away as losers in a 3-1 result that saw Salford continue their dominance over the south London club. The second leg was the true heart-breaker, however – they managed to pull off a 3-1 result over 90 minutes in Salford, including a dramatic last second goal from Christopher Guiller in the last second, before Salford scored the winning goals in the 100th minute, advancing to the Play-Offs Finals at the Lions’ expense. Still, despite the pain, the Kafra FC Lions walk away from this season with their heads held high – they improved their ranking again, and only a fool would bet against them finishing in a Play-Off spot next year, as well. They have established themselves as one of the premier – and most popular – clubs in the League One, and despite a mediocre defense that continues to rank in the bottom half, they will be one of the favorites for a promotion next season. As for this year, it was solid throughout. In fact, the team spent a number of weeks in the top two, and there was a point where automatic promotion was within reach. The primary factor, again, was the best offense in the league, led by Tom Dawson’s 18 Goals and Northern Irish international Christopher Guiller’s 14 Goals. Ironically, this was the first season that no one on the club eclipsed 20 Goals, yet their league-best 72 Goals was the highest in the League One. The usual suspects in the middle – captain Kady Rendell and Danish right winger Per Bruun – and between the sticks in Stephen Barrett rounded up the club’s top five players for the year, with the latter registering a career-high 7.01 AR. The Kafra Field expansion has now brought the capacity to 8,813, which is still entirely too small for a club whose fanbase is growing by the day. There was additional investment in the Kafra Youth Academy and the Kafra Training Centre during the year, as well, and the facilities continue to be improved year upon year. The starting eleven will continue playing together next year, incredibly for their 6th straight season. The media predicted the team to finish in 11th Place, so once again the expectations were eclipsed. The good news is that no one on the team has 23 yet! GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England: 5 U21 Caps) – Age: 22 ('22 Youth Class) For the first time in his career, Barrett finished the season with 7.00+ AR average, registering 7.01 AR in 44 Games – he also registered 1.34 C/90, 11 CS, and 2 PoMs. He set a new Kafra FC record with 15 Total Clean Sheets, getting named to the League One Team of the Week three times this year. Bottom line, Barrett was one of the top GKs in the League One this season, leading it in 5 major statistical categories – 132 Saves Held, 54 Saves Parried, 12.37 xG/Prevented, 4.66 Saves/90, 4.85 Ex.Saves/90, as well as saving 50% of the 6 Penalties shot against him. At 22, he already has a wealth of experience and is one of the leaders of the squad. He garnered some attention when the team first got into the League One, earned himself a few U21 Caps, but unless the team can get promoted, it is likely that Barrett’s hype has likely already peaked despite his improving play. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The best GK prospect since the creation of the KYA might be Gregory Olaofe (’27), who despite being only 15 is in line to usurp Zak Dicks as the No.2 behind Barrett. Next season will be his rookie year, and although it unlikely we will see too much of him over the next couple of years, the BS are noticeably excited about his talent. Born in London, Olaofe carried a 4/5 PA rating, the highest of any GK on the team. There is not much to mention outside of the youngster, however. DEFENDERS DC – JIM HOY (England: Capped U19) – Age: 22 ('22 Youth Class) The league leader with 34 Shots Blocked, Jim Hoy was the best in a backline that continues to struggle break into the top half defensive teams in the league. One of the more understated – and underrated – players on the team, Hoy was born a stone’s throw away in Horsham, so he is a local boy and an avid supporter of the club. He has been a great servant for it, as well, and this season was no exception – he played in 40 Games, registering 1.23 T/90 and 6.96 AR, which was the highest of any defender on the team. Obviously, any individual defender can only be as good as the backline he plays for, and the troubles in the back for Kafra remain. Hoy, however, is not part of those troubles, as he has a 6.92 AR over the course of his career, making him one of the greatest defenders in club history thus far! NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS There was a bit of improvement in an otherwise unimpressive backline this season as they went from 5th to 7th worst, but it was still nothing to write home about. Even the star player of the backline had a mediocre season in Pearce Mciver-Hauser (40 Apps, 4 Gls, 1 Ast, 2.03 T/90, 6.82 AR), who registered the lowest AR of his career. Known to be the club’s best defender, the Crawley-born DC is expected to have a bounce-back season next year. He was joined in mediocrity by the rest of the backline, although there might be some optimism for the future in the form of 18-year-old Mustapha Annor (’25) – it is unclear how good he will be and he is still a big liability pushing forward, but he made his debut and he showed enough defensive touch to give hope for the future. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 22 ('22 Youth Class) The only captain the club has ever known, Rendell is the engine to the best offense in the league. In 45 Games, he registered 7 Goals (career-high), 4 Assists, 3 PoMs (career-high), 80% PC, 1.26 KP/90, 1.79 T/90, and 7.09 AR, getting more involved further up field than previous years. This resulted in his increased goalscoring opportunities, but he remains vigilant as ever tracking back during lost possession. Rendell is part of the DNA at Kafra FC by now, and it tough to imagine a lineup without him in it. He is a positive influence in the locker room and on the pitch and the squad’s undisputed leader. This summer, it is Championship sides Derby and Blackpool who are making the most noise about wanting the hard-working midfielder to join their ranks, but the likelihood of that happening is pretty close to nil. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 22 ('22 Youth Class) Out to prove that his breakout season last year was no fluke, the Danish right winger more than succeeded in getting that point across. In 40 Games, he registered 5 Goals, 13 Assists (1st in league), 4 PoMs, 3.06 KP/90 (3rd), 0.98 CC/90 (1st), 3.86 D/90 (17th), and 7.09 AR, down from 7.21 AR last year but still impressive. He does it all – he is a monster pushing forward and he is more than capable as a defender while tracking back. He is one of the top passers in the League One today, with many considering him to be the best in that department. His numbers certainly make his case – he led the league in assists and ranks amongst the top in several key passing statistics. He has not gotten the attention he should from his home nation yet, as he still has yet to earn any sort of cap despite his abundance of talent. Interest from some of the biggest clubs in Denmark and Turkey will be the story of the season for the player, although he stated his commitment to remain at the club. AML (SC) – GANIYU ‘TURBO’ OJO (England: Capped at U20 level) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) Out of the 5 seasons Kafra FC has played thus far in its history, Ojo has won 4 Kafra Player of the Year awards, with this season being his latest. His connection with the fans is special, and he has become the most beloved player in the history of the club thus far. The English/Nigerian has earned the nickname ‘Turbo Ojo’ thanks to his relentless energy down the left flank. His gallops have become well-known, and despite injuries again taking their toll on his season – hamstring and knee injuries ruled him out for over 2 months – there is no denying the skill he possesses. In 32 Games, he registered 9 Goals, 5 Assists, 3 PoMs, 1.63 KP/90, 2.37 T/90, 2.37 D/90, and 7.16 AR, down from 7.25 AR last season. He might spend some time as forward, but he has become the official starting left winger of the club, and it is a role he has grown into very well. He earned his first caps for the English U20 team this season, validating his talent and getting the attention he deserves. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Out of the 10 players that are younger than 20 on the first team, 9 of them have their main position or secondary in the midfield somewhere. By the far the deepest department of the team, the Kafra Youth Academy has garnered a reputation for churning out central midfielders, of which the best so far has been Hungarian Bendeguz Mari (’25 – 20 Apps, 1 Goal, 2 Asts, 6.84 AR). The 18-year-old has earned 12 U21 Caps for Hungary thus far, bringing his special brand of flair to his home nation where his reputation continues to grow. The other prospect that is beginning to turn heads, even though he has not made his debut yet, is Cypriot Kyriakos Konstantinou (’25) – the 17-year-old is a name to watch out for next season. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 22 ('22 Youth Class) Dawson reclaimed his place as Kafra FC’s top goalscorer this season, making it 4 seasons out of the 5 that the club has played he has earned that honor. In 42 Games, he registered 18 Goals, 9 Assists (career-high), 2 PoMs, and 6.96 AR, making it the second straight season he does not reach the 20 Goal mark. Still, his 18 Goals were good enough to be 6th best in the League One, and he was leading scorer for the best offense in the league overall. He became the first player in club history to score over 100 League Goals when he netted against Exeter City at the end of March, and he is deserving of that important place in the club’s history. Although there was expectation that he would go back to his 20+ goals per season ways, it is hard to put his season down as a disappointment. Can he do better? He has proven he can. A team that played as well as it did this season combined with 24-26 from Dawson would surely be a strong contender for promotion. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The first and only international in club history, Christopher Guiller (’22 – 39 Apps, 14 Gls, 5 Asts, 4 PoMs, 6.94 AR) has so far earned 7 Caps for Northern Ireland, although the 22-year-old has yet to score for his country. After leading the club with 21 Goals last season, Guiller maintained his role as the second striker after Dawson exceptionally well. He has become one of the more underrated players on the team despite his growing reputation in Northern Ireland. The emerging Matthew Watkins (’24, 19 yo – 32 Apps (12 Starts), 7 Goals, 6.79 AR) was the primary backup for Dawson and Guiller, as the driven and dedicated young English striker continue to improve and impress. His shooting has gotten better, and his 7 Goals were a career-high. There has been talk that Watkins will be given the chance to challenge Guiller for the starting spot alongside Dawson, so it will be an interesting summer for the Kafra FC league best front-line. END OF SEASON

Thanks! Trying to fight our way out of the League One at the moment.

YOUTH INTAKE 2027 GREGORY OLAOFE POS: Goalkeeper – AGE: 15 – CA: 1/5, PA: 4/5, BS: 3/5 Strengths: Good puncher; Ideal height; Strong ability in air. Weaknesses: Weak passer, both with hands and feet; Below average athletic ability. Analysis: The club will be excited to have a decent prospect behind Stephen Barrett for the first time, with the KYA taking props for an exciting addition to the GK lineup at Kafra FC and proving it can churn out decent players that are not midfielders. Olaofe is the ideal Ezz GK – no frills, no thrills, and no interest in the eccentric. However, he does lack the athletic ability needed to be a top GK, and although he is still young, it is one of those things that either you are both with it or not, and Olaofe is not a naturally athletic person. That being said, he does have good ability in the air, of which his height (6’4) helps a lot, with his punching ability especially noteworthy. The London-born GK still has some growing to do, and it would not be surprising to him see him sprout up another inch or two before he turns 20. As he matures, he will need to work on his distribution and passing abilities, however, as those are still in dire need of improvement. He should naturally get more athletic as he ages, and the Kafra FC backroom staff will ensure he gets as strong and as athletically fit as his body will allow. Will all of this lead to one day challenging the untouchable Stephen Barrett for the No.1 spot? He is already the No.2 behind Barrett, but what kind of playing time can he expect behind one of the club’s most durable and important players? Finally, will Olaofe at his peak in a few years be better than Barrett? There is only a few years between them, so at one point their peak will be at the same. The Backroom Staff rating has him at 3/5 – they are excited to have him, but his ceiling will not be clear for a few years. For now, he has a lot of the boxes checked. SAMUEL DEMPSEY POS: Defender (DC), D (R), DM – AGE: 16 – CA: 1/5, PA: 3.5/5, BS: 3/5 Strengths: Strong tackler; Has good defensive abilities overall; Resolute, hard-working character. Weaknesses: Weak in the air, despite decent height; Minimal technical ability; Could use more strength. Analysis: In a squad full of versatile yet inconsistent defenders, Dempsey will be looking to detach himself from the status quo. Equally comfortable playing at DR or DC, it is the latter that his abilities are best suited for. He has already shown strong tackling ability and has impressive defensive instincts despite only being 16, which underlies his impressive character as he is described as a mature, resolute person. Born in the village of Foxford in western Ireland in November of 2010, it was HOYD Ricky Duncan who recruited him and brought him over to the KYA. He will need to improve in the air for him to challenge for playing time – given his height (6’0), this should be doable. His technical ability also needs work across the board – he doesn’t have to be Messi with the ball, but he still needs to know the basics of control and dribbling. His physical strength will improve as he ages, but he will need to spend some time in the gym to ensure he develops enough muscle for such a tough position. Overall, however, Dempsey has every chance of breaking into the first time and contributing over the next few years if he develops and works on his weaknesses. The BS rating has him at 3/5, which means there is the belief that he will grow into a rotational role but perhaps will be too limited by his weaknesses to be able to grow into a star. DAMIEN KENNY POS: Midfielder (Centre) – AGE: 16 – CA: 1/5, PA: 3.5/5, BS: 2/5 Strengths: Team player who always works hard; Good passer; Decent ball technique. Weaknesses: Defensive liability; Outside of ball technique, has weak technical game; Needs to gets stronger and faster. Analysis: Born in Clara, Ireland (almost in the dead-center of the country), Kenny is another result of Duncan’s Ireland recruitment trip in 2023, bringing Kenny and Dempsey to London at the same. The midfielder shares many of the same traits as Dempsey – he is a team player who gives it his all whether in training or in a match. He is a good with the ball at his feet and has good vision, making his passing game quite advanced. Ironically, however, while he is good with the ball at his feet, he is equally bad at executing (with the exception of passing), whether it is shooting, crossing, heading, or even marking. Speaking of which, he is currently a complete defensive liability, something which needs to be addressed before he can earn any type of consistent playing time. The Backroom Staff rating is 2/5, meaning there is a potential for a rotational spot but there isn’t a lot of faith that he can grow past that, if that at all. CHIBUEZE GBADAMOSI POS: Striker, AM (R) – AGE: 15 – CA: 1/5, PA: 3/5, BS: 2/5 Strengths: Great pace despite being only 15; Has a nice touch of flair; Decent overall ball technique. Weaknesses: Struggles to motivate and push himself; Terrible defensive player; Lots of questions whether he has right mindset to succeed. Analysis: Born in Enfield (north London) to Nigerian parents, the first thing that sticks out about Gbadamosi is his speed. He is quick no matter what age, and considering he is still only 15, he is bound to get even faster. That will be a good tool for him to utilize, as that is not something you can teach. His game definitely has flair, and his bag of tricks is impressive, but the foundational pieces to a solid game still need work. He is, hands down, one of the worst defenders to step onto the pitch, but the biggest questions surrounding him have more to do with his drive and mental positioning as opposed to on the pitch. A lot of chatter has it that the youngster, despite his physical gifts, just does not have the right mentality to succeed – he exhibits little determination to improve and seemingly has no desire to push himself. This brings his BS rating to 2/5 – the talk from those who worked with him at the KYA is that while his natural physical ability might earn him a game or two here or there, as long as he remains a defensive liability – along with his lax attitude – his ceiling will be capped. BILLY MASSEY POS: Striker, AM (R) – AGE: 16 – CA: 1.5/5, PA: 3/5, BS: 3/5 Strengths: Natural height (6’6) makes his strong threat in the air; Good technical ability for someone with his height; Has the right foundation in place for a typical Ezz striker. Weaknesses: Has been called ‘Unambitious’ – has no desire to further develop; Despite his height, is a surprisingly weak header of the ball; His football IQ is not where it should be, making silly mistakes. Analysis: Out of all the prospects of the ’27 Youth Class, Massey is the most ready to contribute. The striker, who is a local boy born in London, has all the right skills to be a successful striker in Ezz’s formation, in addition to something you cannot teach – his 6’6 height. He is already a decent finisher and has adequate ability with the ball at his feet, a rare sight for someone so tall. So what is the problem? Simply put, he has expressed no desire to become better, relying on whatever ability he currently possesses to get him through. A lot of experts say he doesn’t think like a footballer and doesn’t read the game the way he should, causing a lot of avoidable mistakes. The BS rating is 3/5, however, which means he possesses abilities that are simply too good not to try to develop. Out of everyone in this Youth Class, Massey is perhaps the greatest risk/reward prospect of the year.

KAFRA FC 2025/26 TEAM REVIEW LEAGUE ONE: 6th Place (Play-Off: First Round to Preston) – FA CUP: Second Round – CARABAO CUP: First Round There was enough optimism heading into the season to expect an improvement over Kafra FC’s 11th Place finish during 2024/25 but few expected such a leap in the league. From ‘Welcome to the Mid-Table’ to ‘Stop Pushing Your Way to the Top’ in two short years, the Kafra Lions turned from bewildered young newcomers to capable and mentally strong athletes, or so goes the belief. The reality is, the young team that Ni Ezz put together that won the League Two title in 2023 during their first ever season when their oldest player was 17 years old (!!) has always been strong, both physically and mentally. It is therefore no surprise that they continue to achieve greater heights with each passing season. Despite losing in the first round of the Play-Off to Preston – an especially difficult pill to swallow was the 3-0 loss at home in the first leg – the season has been a quantified success for the club. They broke through a barrier (Play-Offs) they had set for themselves in only three years in the League One, and all while having not a single player over the age of 21 on the roster. They finished in 6th Place before crashing out to Preston, scoring 81 Goals which was good enough for 3rd best in the League One despite an underwhelming season from star striker Tom Dawson. The attack actually improved thanks to a breakout season from Northern Ireland international Christopher Guiller, who led the team with 21 Goals. The usual suspects were there, just better – Ganiyu Ojo bounced back in a big way as he ranked amongst the best players in the league, while Danish winger Per Bruun’s 16 Assists were good enough for second, leading it with 148 Key Passes. The midfield continued to be led by club captain Kady Rendell, who had career-highs with 9 Assists and 7.12 AR, while Peace Mciver-Hauser delivered a career-high 7 Goals from his role in the back. Behind them all stood the stability of Stephen Barrett – at this point, there are very few people who would argue against Barrett being ranked as one of the top GKs in the League One. The season ended in an anti-climactic fashion in a meek performance over two legs against Preston, but the progress Kafra FC has made in the past three years leaves little doubt that they have the ability to be competitive next season. The hope remains to grab a Play-Off spot, but after this season, aiming to actually get promoted might not be too far-fetched. Ofcourse, given the young age of the squad, it could very well go in the other direction – instead of building on their improvement, they could fall back into mid-table obscurity thanks to inconsistent performances. GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England: 5 U21 Caps) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) In each of his four seasons, Barrett has registered 12 Clean Sheets, for a total of 48 CS over the course of his career. That is one of the reasons he has developed a reputation for consistency, stability, and durability, as he has only missed a total of 4 Games over the course of the same 4 seasons. In 45 Appearances this season, he also registered a career-high 6.95 AR as well as 1.38 Con/90, earning himself a couple more caps of the English U21 squad. His potential is likely limited and he is unlikely to show much more improvement, but he maintains his role as one of the club’s top players both on and off the pitch. There always seems to interest around him during the summer, and this one is no different as Premier League club Fulham have expressed their desire to bring the young yet experienced GK to Craven Cottage. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The Kafra Youth Academy – for the first time since the inception of the club – was asked questions about their ability to produce talented GKs as none of those that have come up through the academy’s system have turned out to be good enough. That remains the case heading into next season – there is simply no one of note that could push for minutes in the first team. The hope is that the KYA will have some focus in developing GK talent as the squad has been desperate for some for years now. DEFENDERS DC – PEARCE MCIVER-HAUSER (England: Capped U20) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) Whether he is better playing out of the backline or alongside Rendell in the middle of the pitch was not an argument Ezz was interested in this season. He picked Mciver-Hauser as one of his starting CDs during the pre-season and stuck to his decision throughout the year. While the defense, in general, did not have a good year, the versatile defender/midfielder had another strong season, playing in 42 Games and registering a career-high 7 Goals, 2 Assists, 3 PoMs, 1.86 T/90, and 7.01 AR. It was a no-brainer for the club to sign him to a new, three-year contract that will pay him £3.3k per week as his old one was approaching only a year to go before completion. He continues to be one of the biggest names in the club and continues to be active with the English U20 team, having won the European U20 Elite League title with his nation in 2024. Mature, professional, driven, and hard-working, he has been a model citizen for the club thus far, and several League One and Championship sides go into the summer with the hopes of nabbing him from Kafra FC. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The defensive line had its worst season since being promoted to the League One three seasons ago, ranking as the 5th worst defense in the league. Despite a strong season from Mciver-Hauser, the cohesiveness was not there, and the backline never cliqued. The 3-0 loss against Preston was blamed on the defense, and it will certainly be the biggest focal point for the team to address going into the summer. Players such as DR Gowan Spetch (41 Apps, 6.78 AR) and DC Danny Turner (33 Apps, 6.78 AR) need to do better as part of the rotation as there is pressure little talent coming up from the KYA behind them. The exception might be rookie DC Mustapha Annor (’25), who played in only one game but has shown good defensive instincts and ability. The jury is still out on just how much the English/Ghanaian 17-year-old would be able to develop as his game is still very raw and has some glaring holes, such as consistency and ball control. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) There is nothing fancy about Rendell’s game – in fact, it is about as straight forward as one can get. It is for that reason he is the only captain the club has ever known, and Ezz’s second-in-command on the pitch. In 45 Games, he registered 2 Goals, 9 Assists, 82% PC, 1.30 KP/90, 1.62 T/90, and 7.12 AR – the assists and AR were career-highs. It was that attitude that had him lead the league with 236 Pressures Completed as he is known to be always up in his opponent’s face, challenging for the ball. He is local-born (Crawley) and has deep ties with the community, so it unlikely that offers from Championship clubs such as Millwall – which will most likely come this summer – will sway him. It is no secret that Ezz is a huge fan of the midfielder, with Rendell starting to grow into one of the finest midfielders in the League One today. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) Injuries limited him last season, but he bounced back this year with his best of his young career. In 44 Appearances, he registered career-highs of 8 Goals and 16 Assists, with the latter good enough for second in the League One. His 7.21 AR was also a career-high and the best on the team, and although it was Ojo who will grab his 3rd Kafra Player of the Year title, there is a sizeable amount of people that feel the Bruun should have taken it this year. This is especially true considering he was a league leader in several important passing statistics, including his 3.90 KP/90 and 1.00 CC/90. He has attracted the attention of some of Denmark’s biggest clubs, including Aab and Brondby IF, but seems likely to remain in England for the new future. He has been one of the club’s best players since day one and continues to be one of its most creative outlets for its offense. AML (SC) – GANIYU OJO (England) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) Last season, it looked like Ojo was overmatched and overwhelmed. It did not help that injuries seemed to plague him throughout the year, but the end result wasn’t pretty, at least not by his lofty standards. The English/Nigerian winger bounced back this year, however, and won his 3rd Kafra Player of the Year award in the past 4 seasons. Regardless of whether Bruun deserved it as well, there can be little doubt that Ojo was equally as deserving. In 45 Games, he registered 18 Goals, 12 Assists, 8 PoMs, 1.65 KP/90, 2.25 T/90, 1.68 D/90, and 7.25 AR, his highest since his rookie year. He was recently won an U20 cap for England, committing to the nation of his birth as opposed to his ancestral homeland of Nigeria. As the club goes into his 5th season of operation, Ojo has been its clear best player so far. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The deepest positions on the squad are the midfield ones, and that only got truer with the emergence of rookie Bendeguz Mari (17, ’25 – 17 Apps, 1 Ast, 1 PoM, 6.77 AR). The Hungarian midfielder has already won 4 U21 caps for his nation, and Ezz has been noted to be a big fan of the youngster, going as far as calling him the best prospect the Kafra Youth Academy has delivered thus far in its history. Mari isn’t the only prospect in the midfield – in fact, there are 8 total players under the age of 20 on the first team, of which 6 are primarily or naturally midfielders. However, it is still the ‘older’ crowd that continues to dominate the rotation, with players such as Ned Swann (21, ’22 – 39 Apps, 4 Gls, 3 Asts, 2 PoMs, 3.44 D/90, 6.94) and Stefan Janjic (20, ’22 – 39 Apps, 3 Asts, 6.92 AR) making significant contributions to the team’s successful season. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) It was a tough season for Kafra’s all-time leading goalscorer, dealing with no less than 5 different injuries and a strong cold that held him to only 35 Games, the lowest of his career. So were his 11 Goals, a far cry from the 24 he scored last year, and it goes without saying that his 6.94 AR was the lowest of his career, as well. There is also little doubt that this season was an outlier for the striker, who has carried one of the League One’s best offenses on his back the past two seasons. A summer spent recovering will go a long way in helping the 21-year-old U20 English international recapture his form of old. SC – CHRISTOPHER GUILLER (Northern Ireland: 2 Caps) – Age: 21 ('22 Youth Class) The first and only international player on the Kafra FC squad, Guiller elevated his status to top striker at the club this season, with his 21 Goals first on the team. In 36 Games, he also registered 4 Assists, 4 PoMs, and 7.13 AR, which was 3rd best on the team. With Ojo shifted permanently to the left wing, Guiller got a clear path to the starting position alongside Dawson and he took his chance. He was impressive this season, leading the line for the 3rd best offense in the League One. He has a driven and mature personality that has helped him develop his game – he was recently singled out as perhaps the player that has shown the most improvement over the past few years. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS On paper, the striker position is theoretically in great shape with a couple of 5/5 PA prospects already part of the rotation for the first team in Matthew Watkins (18, ’24 – 30 Apps, 4 Gls, 2 Asts, 6.89 AR) and Bentley Maton (18, ’24 – 5 Apps, 6.60 AR). Both part of the ’24 Youth Class, there has been questions about their abilities and they have yet to prove they are capable of being relied upon on the pitch. Still, the backroom staff continue to be excited about their potential, and Ezz has continued to put his weight behind their development, especially Watkins. END OF SEASON

YOUTH INTAKE 2026 After delivering what looks like a star prospect in Mari last season, the KYA slumped back to its disappointing ways this year. Unfortunately, the '26 Youth Class looks like it will contribute no players to the rotation as none of the prospects look up to standard. There is a possibility that Asquith Stoute could develop well enough to break the rotation in the backline, but even that does not look like a likely scenario.

The detail makes it such an interesting read - like getting lost in a novel!

KAFRA FC 2024/25 TEAM REVIEW LEAGUE ONE: 11th Place – FA CUP: Second Round – CARABAO CUP: First Round With the 2023 League Two title – and the shock that it brought with it – slowly fading from memory, Kafra FC have now settled into its role as a competitive and strong middle-of-the-pack League One team that is capable of defeating the best in the league on its good day. After finishing in 13th Place during their first season in the League One last year, they improved to 11th this season as both the team’s offense (72 Goals, 5th in league) and defense (64 Goals Conceded, 17th) improved slightly. Kafra Field has begun filling up its capacity of nearly 6,000 and has become known for its raucous fans and loud atmosphere. The same players that took the League Two title remain – the starting eleven is unchanged. The fans have seen 16 and 17 year old kids develop into men, and as the 2024/25 season ended, a number of Kafra FC players had already turned 20. Tom Dawson’s 24 Goals were good enough to win the League One Top Goalscorer award, and he was also called up to the League One Select for the 2024/25 season. After successive mid-table finishes in their first two seasons in the League One, Kafra FC must now be looking at perhaps pushing towards competing for a Play-Off spot. The defense is good enough, and the offense is amongst the best in the league – and still getting better. The owner/manager is young, dynamic, and has proven he is able to win, winning the League Two title in his first year and overachieving in his last two. Kafra Field is also getting a small expansion – once done, the capacity should rise from just under 6,000 to about 8,500 people. GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England: 3 U21 Caps) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) For the first time in his career, Barrett was forced to miss games, making 43 Appearances and registering the almost exact same numbers as he had the two previous seasons. His 6.87 AR was a replica of both previous seasons, as was his 12 Clean Sheets. He did have a career-best 1.37 Con/90, although he did not have quite the show-stopping games he did last year. The bottom line is that Barrett is one of the club’s best and most influential players, a professional personality who has been a joy to have around the locker-room. He has now played in 3 U21 games for England as his talent and form continues to be recognized throughout the nation. As he turns 20, the intrigue surrounding just how good Barrett can be will only grow stronger. He is one of Ezz’s favorite players and most trusted soldiers on the pitch. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Nothing much has changed behind Barrett except for the fact that someone other than the No.1 actually played this season. The lucky recipient was Zak Dicks, who resigned with the club just a few days before his contract expired last summer, extending for a year. He conceded 5 Goals in his 3 Appearances, registering 6.73 AR and generally proving to everyone that he was not the greatest of League One GKs. Behind Dicks remains a few prospects from the KYA, but none have done enough yet to threaten Dicks place in the first team. DEFENDERS DC – PEARCE MCIVER-HAUSER (England: Capped U20) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) Known around the country as one of the brighter young prospects outside of the Premier League, Mciver-Hauser continues to rack up the accomplishments. Born across the street in Crawley, the local boy has so far lifted the League Two title with his club and the European U20 Elite League title with his nation’s U20 team, as well as having made the Finals of the U20 World Cup at Indonesia 2023 before bowing to the USA. He then went on to deliver the best season of his career yet – in 40 Games, he registered 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 3 PoMs, 2.94 TW/90 (4th in league), and 7.02 AR, a career-high and second best on the team. Since day one, the defender/defensive midfielder was hyped as one of the most talented kids on the team, and he has not disappointed. He remains one of the biggest names on the squad and a common sighting during international week. He has developed a reputation as one of the best tacklers in the League One, but he has become somewhat of a running mate for Rendell in getting the offense started during an attack. DC – JIM HOY (England: Capped U19) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) One of the most improved players on the squad, Hoy was amongst the league leaders in a few statistical categories again this season. For the second straight season, he led the League One in Possessions Won (1068), Headers Won (761), and Key Headers (30), although he did slip from best in Key Tackles to 5th after dropping from 20 to 16. The inconsistency he faced last season was mostly gone this year – in 41 Games, he registered 2 Assists, 1 PoM, 1.43 TW/90, and 6.97 AR, a career-high and amongst the highest on the squad. Twice named to the League One Team of the Week, Hoy has elevated his status in the backline over the past two years. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS An improved defense across the board helped the team overachieve this season, and part of that improvement was players like Paul Moran (45 Apps, 1 Goal, 5 Asts, 2.03 TW/90, 6.81 AR) and Gowan Spetch (45 Apps, 2 Asts, 1.70 TW/90, 1.00 D/90, 6.83 AR) delivering decent performances as full-backs. The worrying news is that the Kafra Youth Academy has yet to deliver a defensive prospect that has the ability to crack into the first team. Each player has certain limitations that will probably prevent them from developing into top tier players, so the current defensive line will have a hard time ranking higher than a mid-level defense until they can get some fresh talent with higher potential up. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) The club captain continued to be one of the squad’s most important players, its sparkplug in the middle of the pitch as the ball comes out of the defense. In 42 Games, he registered 1 Goal, a career-high 6 Assists, 1.55 KP/90, 1.92 TW/90, and 6.99 AR, third-highest on the team. The Crawley-born local boy is known as one of the hardest working players in the league, having formed quite a potent partnership with Mciver-Hauser in the middle of the pitch. He has been one of the team’s most consistent players over the past three years, surely due to his high intelligence and maturity. He is one of his manager’s favorite players and has earned his trust fully on the pitch. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) Despite going through an injury-plagued season that saw him play in only 33 Games due to lingering ankle issues, no one other player on the roster enters the summer as wanted as the Danish right winger. Teams such as Coventry, Swansea, and even Turkish club Sivasspor have expressed strong interest, with bids up to £500K coming in already. For his part, Ni Ezz has offered the player a new contract that will pay him just under £3k per week until 2028, one that the player is widely expected to sign. He has shone in London with Kafra FC – in his 33 Games this season, he equaled his career-high with 6 Goals, also registering 6 Assists, 3 PoMs, 2.42 KP/90, 2.89 TW/90, 3.29 D/90, and 6.98 AR. He is considered one of the top right wingers in the League One and is considered a strong threat down the right wing. For Kafra, he has developed into a huge part of this generation’s core, and he will look to bounce back with a strong year next season. AML (SC) – GANIYU OJO (England) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) The former and two-time Kafra Player of the Year, Ojo suffered for a string of major injuries for the second straight season. A broken ankle ruled him out for over 3 months on its own, while a hernia earlier in the year had him out for a month and a half. When he did play, however, it was more of the same – in 30 Games, he registered 9 Goals, 2 Assists, 2 PoMs, 1.93 TW/90, 1.34 D/90, and 6.90 AR, up from 6.87 AR last season. The hype around the winger/striker has died down a bit, especially as the holes in his game have become a bit harder to cover up – at one point, there was talk about Ojo being the ‘next Steven Gerrard’, but that is no longer being said these days. Whatever the case, however, you can always rely on Ojo to give 100% and be ready to do battle when the ball is with the opposition. The English/Nigerian has not yet explored the opportunity to play football for his ancestral homeland of Nigeria. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The midfield is the deepest position on the squad, regardless if it is in the center or on the flanks. The Kafra Youth Academy has developed a reputation for churning out talented midfield prospects over the past few years, and the competition for the four spots remains fierce. This is especially true with the emergence of Hungarian MC Bendeguz Mari, who seems to have captured the attention of his manager with the talk being that Mari might be playing a lot next season. Ned Swann (42 Apps, 2 Gls, 8 Asts, 2 PoMs, 1.57 KP/90, 2.77 T/90, 2.01 D/90, 6.82 AR) and Stefan Janjic (37 Apps, 6.82 AR) played an important role in the rotation, but the excitement is centered around the graduates of the KYA over the past couple of years, which include Mari and current rookies such as Pat Maloney (18 Apps, 81% PC, 2.18 T/90, 6.86 AR) and Warren Fenton (16 Apps, 1.66 KP/90, 2.85 T/90, 3.09 D/90, 6.77 AR) and the potential they possess. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) The newly crowned Kafra Player of the Year was, without a doubt, the club’s best player this year. He won the League One Player of the Month award twice (August, February) this season, finishing the year as the league’s Top Goalscorer with 24 Goals and being named in the League One Select – the first Kafra FC player to accomplish that. Along with Mciver-Hauser, he lifted the European U20 Elite League trophy in 2024, one year after advancing to the U20 World Cup Finals in Indonesia. In the club’s short history, Dawson has become its most accomplished and celebrated player, holding the club record with 72 career league goals. QPR have expressed interest in the player and might be looking to make a bid this summer, but it is surely to be ignored by Ezz. SC – CHRISTOPHER GUILLER (Northern Ireland: 1 Cap) – Age: 20 ('22 Youth Class) No matter what kind of career Guiller ends up having with Kafra FC, he will always be in the record books as the first ever player of the club to earn an international cap, making his debut for Northern Ireland against England. Born in Larne, Northern Ireland – a town to the north of Belfast known for its harbor – Guiller has been impressive over the course of the past three years, scoring a total of 42 league goals in 121 Appearances. This season, like a number of players on the team, injuries cut into his season, limiting him to only 33 Games as he dealt with thigh muscle issues. He did, however, score a career-high 17 Goals to go along with 6.97 AR and even won the League One Player of the Month award for April. With Ojo looking likely to continue playing down the left wing in the near future, Ezz will have little hesitation starting Guiller alongside Dawson, especially as he is now an international player who might be able to pull in a few fans from Northern Ireland. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The forward position seems to be in a relatively healthy state – Guiller and Dawson have been terrific as a starting unit and rookies Matthew Watkins (25 Apps, 4 Gls, 6.74 AR) and Bentley Maton (13 Apps, 2 Gls, 1.90 D/90, 6.84 AR) look at least capable of contributing as part of the rotation up front. Both players are only 17 and carry a 5/5 PA rating, so the backroom staff are optimistic about the potential of both young strikers of the ’24 Youth Class. END OF SEASON

YOUTH INTAKE 2025 Earlier in the season, there was an article released highlighting how the Kafra Youth Academy - in the three years since the Kafra began competing professionally - has yet to graduate a single player that has broken into the starting eleven. The top prospect to come out of the KYA since its creation is probably Matthew Watkins, and although the striker has a 5/5 PA rating, he is still some ways away from being able to compete for a starting spot. The '24 Youth Class, however, looks like it has plenty of potential, with Hungarian midfielder Bendeguz Mari looking like one of the most talented prospects to ever come through the KYA. Yet again, however, the KYA has produced midfielders, an obvious preference of the academy in its first three years. The top players in the class either play in the middle of the pitch or down one of the flanks, already the deepest positions on the squad.

KAFRA FC 2023/24 TEAM REVIEW LEAGUE ONE: 13th Place – FA CUP: First Round – CARABAO CUP: First Round After taking the League Two and the country by storm last season, all eyes were on the young squad as many doubted their credentials and ability. They proved the naysayers wrong, however – not only did they survive in the League One, but for a while it looked like Kafra FC might compete for a Play-Off spot. The season was too long for a team that still does not have a single player who has reached the age of 20, inevitably settling for a respectable – and impressive – 13th Place finish. Their recipe for success continued to be their offense, with their 67 Goals ranked 5th best in the League One. The defense continued to need work, however, with the 68 Goals Conceded ranked 6th worst which could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for GK Stephen Barrett having a few fantastic games. The team, in general, struggled to maintain consistent form – only two players finished with 7.00+ AR averages, with Danish right winger Per Bruun leading the team with 7.07 AR and 3rd choice striker and Northern Ireland U21 international Christopher Guiller coming behind him with 7.02 AR. After a summer which saw three of the club’s players participate in the U20 World Cup in Indonesia with England (Kady Rendell, Tom Dawson, and Peace Micver-Hauser) and advance to the Finals before falling to the USA, there was a lot of hype around the team made of teenagers. For the most part, they did not disappoint – Dawson’s 22 Goals were good enough for 3rd best in the league while Danish winger Bruun’s 10 Assists were tied for 2nd highest. A strong-willed, determined team with maturity beyond its years, the Kafra Lions proved they belonged at the higher level and will now look to build upon their strong first season in the League One. GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) For the second straight season, Barrett played in all 46 Games, registering 1.48 Con/90 and 6.87 AR, with the latter being the exact same as his rookie year. His 12 Clean Sheets were also the same as last season, but his importance to the team was so much more obvious this year. He had 4 PoMs, coming up big in a number of games and leading the backline with confidence. He has been the focus of a few bids, especially from teams in Scotland like Aberdeen last season and Hibernian and St. Mirren this summer, but it is very unlikely that Ezz will entertain bids for the GK. He has become a favorite of the staff and the fans, and most importantly at this stage of his career, his manager. Twice named to the League One Team of the Week this season, his manager has said that Barrett will have to get used to the talk as his talent will be a constant source of rumors for teams coming in to get him. The local boy from Crawley has publicly stated his desire to concentrate on the coming season and improving the defense so that the club can be competitive and push for a spot in the Play-Offs. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS In the club’s two years of existence, there has yet to be a player other than Barrett to play between the posts for the club. Zak Dicks, who has served as Barrett’s back-up over the past two years, will likely move on this summer and not be retained, which will open up an opportunity for one of the KYA (Kafra Youth Academy) players to impress and move into the first team. DEFENDERS DC – PEARCE MCIVER-HAUSER (England: Capped U20) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) After making the U20 World Cup Finals with England, McIver-Hauser came into the season with a renewed sense of confidence. It served him well, as he ultimately became the leader of the defensive line of the squad. Yes, the line had its problems and Kafra’s defense was not the best, but McIver-Hauser was the best defender on the squad this season regardless of position. In 45 Games, he registered 3 Goals, 3 Assists, 2 PoMs, 2.73 TW/90, 1.18 D/90, and 6.92 AR, a slight drop from 6.95 AR during his rookie season. Born in Crawley, he won the European U20 Elite League with England this season as his reputation continues to grow across the nation. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Despite some rough games and less than consistent form overall, Jim Hoy led the League One in an incredible four categories – he led with 855 Headers Won, 1204 Possessions Won, 20 Key Tackles, and 38 Key Headers. So why is he not considered one of the best defenders in the league? He had games where he was atrocious, and that inconsistency resulted him having only a 6.88 AR this season – not bad, but not great by any measure. It was a similar story across the backline – talented defenders that were underwhelming this year such as Paul Moran (46 Apps, 6.73 AR) and Jason John (44 Apps, 6.87 AR). The original core from the ’22 Youth Class remain the most talented defenders on the team by a long measure, as the KYA has yet to deliver a defender in any position capable of pushing them for minutes. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) One of England’s finest players in Indonesia during the 2023 U20 World Cup as they advanced to the Finals, Rendell came back for his second season with Kafra FC as the only captain the club has known fired up. Much was expected of him in his first season in the League One, and for the most part, he did not disappoint. In 42 Appearances, he registered 1 Goal, 5 Assists, 2 PoMs, 1.60 TW/90, 1.04 KP/90, and 6.94 AR, good enough for fourth best on the squad. His work ethic, motor, and leadership abilities have made him a natural choice for club captain and he has developed a great relationship on the pitch with Mciver-Hauser and Dawson. Off the pitch, he has nothing but the finest things to say about his manager and the club, as he continues to be perhaps the most influential player at Kafra FC. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) The Danish winger looks the readiest out of any of the club’s players for the increased competition in League One football this season. His 7.07 AR was the best on the team despite missing out on the Player of the Year award – he also registered 6 Goals, 10 Assists, 3 PoMs, 3.36 KP/90, 3.04 TW/90, 3.75 D/90, and 51% ST, leading the team in all but the first and third categories. Displaying a fantastic all-around game that saw him seemingly always involved in the flow whether defending or attacking, Bruun instantly became one of the most famous sights down the right flank in the league this season. The winger is surely to start getting more recognition in his home country if his form continues to improve. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The Kafra FC midfield remained the deepest component of its squad this season, as versatility continued to be the name of the game. Players such as Ned Swann (39 Apps, 2 Gls, 6 Asts, 6.70 AR) and Regan Harrison (36 Apps, 2 Gls, 6 Asts, 6.71 AR) have the ability to play down both wings but found themselves rotating in the starting lineup down the left wing. Rookie Kaidyn Borrowdale (20 Apps, 6.54 AR) had his PA downgraded to 4/5 and was generally unimpressive during his first season in the pros. The KYA has been relentless in its development of midfielders in its formative years thus far, however, and next season will feature some talented youngsters who will be vying to make a name for themselves in the first team. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 19 ('22 Youth Class) Tom Dawson joined Mciver-Hauser and Rendell in Indonesia at the 2023 U20 World Cup last summer, losing out in the Finals to the USA. He did so after leading the team in scoring and did so before again achieving the same feat this season in the League One. In 42 Games, he scored 22 Goals and registered 4 Assists, 4 PoMs, and 6.97 AR, leading one of the league’s best attacks as its third-leading scorer. Of course, Dawson has developed a reputation as a complete player and holds his manager in the highest regard, a respect that is mutual between the two. SC (AML) – GANIYU OJO (England) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) Many fans would argue it was Per Bruun who deserved the award, but the Kafra FC Player of the Year went to Ojo for the second consecutive year despite a noticeable drop in form. Regardless, the English/Nigerian has become a club icon and its most popular player, a reputation well-deserved and well-earned considering how great he has been over the course of the last two seasons. This year, in 31 Games, he registered 7 Goals, 2 PoMs, 2.68 TW/90, 1.29 KP/90, 1.39 D/90, and 6.87 AR, although it was an especially injury-plagued one for the player. He ended the season in late April have getting a double hernia while lifting, an injury that is expected to last throughout the summer. As his game has developed, he has drawn similarities to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, with the local Crawley-born attacker getting praise in the media for the comparison. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Northern Irish U21 international Christopher Guiller (45 Apps, 15 Gls, 5 Asts, 3 PoMs, 7.02 AR) was arguably Kafra FC second-best player this season despite mostly coming off the bench. The striker showed strong development in training and earned has now earned 3 U21 Caps for his nation. In fact, the coaching staff recently suggested that no one has shown as much improvement since the club’s creation as the striker, but he will have to fend off a couple of young prospects that will be looking to make their debuts next season. BEST ELEVEN 2024

I would say that was a pretty decent season considering the goal was to avoid relegation. Finances looking a bit scary, though!

YOUTH INTAKE 2024 After the disastrous '23 Youth Class, there is reason for optimism. The '24 Youth Class is looking full of potential, with up to 5 players looking like they could start making an immediate contribution. The backroom staff is especially excited about the potential of wingers Bentley Maton and Matthew Watkins, with Nigerian Rilwan Eze rounding up a trio of fantastic right wing prospects to come out of the Kafra Youth Academy this year. The other two top prospects are both central midfielders in Warren Fenton and Pat Maloney - while MC might be the squad's deepest position, more competition and stronger talent is always a welcome sign.

KAFRA F.C. 2022/23 TEAM REVIEW The first ever season for the club could not have gone any better – not only did they lift the League Two title after flying for 86 Points, but this group of teenagers became the talk of the town with their high-scoring ways. The squad’s two highest scorers – Tom Dawson (26 Goals) and Ganiyu Ojo (21 Goals) – were also amongst the finest players in the entire league this season, a clear class above the rest of their teammates. The latter was voted the club’s first ever Player of the Year thanks to his great all-around performances, as he added a league-leading 13 Assists to go along with his goals. The offense was the star of the show from the beginning, but stability at the back played a crucial role in the championship run, as well. It all starts with GK Stephen Barrett, who played in all 46 Games and impressed with his poise and command of the area. With Kady Rendell acting as the sparkplug for the incoming Kafra attacks and Danish right winger Per Bruun doing his part to finish them, the Kafra offense was a well-oiled machine that had enough support behind it from the defensive line. The team was relatively consistent throughout the season, an exception for such a young squad. They made it to the Second Round of the FA Cup before being knocked out by League One outfit Oxford United in the replay at home, while also making the EFL Trophy Quarter-Finals before losing to Ipswich. A solid run to the end the season that saw them win 6 of their last 8 matches as they sealed the League Two title. Not surprisingly, owner/manager won the league’s 2022/23 Manager of the Year award, while both Dawson and Ojo were named to the League Two Team of the Year. After taking the country by storm and getting promoted, they will have no such advantage next season. They will be gunned hard, especially as no other team want to be known as one that lost to a bunch of teenagers. Regardless, however, the squad has proven its worth and its ability, and the Kafra FC scouting team did an excellent job of recruiting and putting this team together. No other team in the League One will be under as much scrutiny as Kafra FC come the 2023/24 season. GOALKEEPERS GK – STEPHEN BARRETT (England) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) One of the stars of the squad, Barrett can also count himself as having been one of the best at his position in the League Two this season. His 12 Clean Sheets were impressive considering the team were decent, but not good, defensively, ranking as the 12th best defense in the league. He registered 6.87 AR as he played in all 46 Games, an instrumental pillar of stability in the back that allowed the attack the confidence to be the best. The Crawley-born 18-year-old has had interest shown in him by the likes of Aberdeen, Peterborough, and Derby going into the summer, although it is unlikely that Ezz would look to move a player that has such a bright future. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS There was not much to report behind Barrett – No.2 GK Zak Dicks is the same age as Barrett but the latter a lot more talented. The Kafra Youth Academy did not turn out any GKs of note this year. DEFENDERS DC – PEARCE MCIVER-HAUSER (England: Capped U20) – Age: 17 ('22 Youth Class) The versatile centre-back will not turn 18 until December of next season, making him amongst the youngest players in a squad full of teenagers. Although a bit inconsistent, he showed enough of his talent to get called up to the U20 World Cup, having played in 44 Games (32 Starts) while registering 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 2.33 TW/90, and 6.95 AR. Also comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch, his manager recently stated in an interview that he envisions Mciver-Hauser playing out of the backline in the short term as that is where the team’s immediate needs are found. He played 3 Games with England in the U20 World Cup in Indonesia, registering 6.90 AR and helping them reach the Finals. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Overall, the defense did a solid job the season despite less than stellar numbers. The likes of Paul Moran (40 Apps, 4 Gls, 4 Asts, 6.88 AR) and Jason John (45 Apps, 2 Asts, 6.90 AR) contributed immensely to the title that the team captured, and there is little doubt that they will hold their own in the League One. The Kafra Youth Academy has not yet produced any defender of note that looks capable of breaking into the first team. MIDFIELDERS MC – KADY RENDELL (England: Capped U20) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) The club captain and U20 World Cup call-up, Rendell represents the best of Kafra FC, both on and off the pitch. Known as the hardest worker in any general vicinity he is in (that’s his thing), he played in 44 Games and registered 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 1 PoM, 1.65 TW/90, and 7.00 AR, good enough for third-best on the team behind Dawson and Ojo. One of the best midfielders at the tournament in Indonesia, he has elevated his reputation after playing in 6 Games and registering 1 Goal, 2 Assists, and 7.30 AR before England succumbed to the USA in the Finals. He is obviously a core component of Ezz’s formation next year and will continue to serve as the ignition point for the team. AMR – PER BRUUN (Denmark) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) When it comes to natural athletic ability, Bruun likely has no equal on the squad. The right winger was recruited from a small farm town outside of Aarhus in northern Denmark, and he has endeared himself to the club’s new fans almost immediately. It doesn’t hurt that he was one of the club’s top performers all season, too – in 42 Games (32 Starts), he registered 5 Goals, 7 Assists, 2.95 TW/90, 3.93 D/90 (9th in league), and 7.00 AR, third-best on the team. His quickness is his primary strength, although his passing has gotten noticeably better, as well. The Danish national team set-up would be making a mistake if they have not considered a call-up for him for their U21 or U19 teams. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS The Kafra FC midfield was industrious and active this season, and that was true across the board. Versatile players such as Ned Swann (42 Apps, 4 Gls, 6 Asts, 2.60 D/90, 6.97 AR) and Regan Harrison (44 Apps, 7 Gls, 9 Asts, 6.88 AR) played both down the wings and in the middle of the pitch, while Danny Turner (43 Apps, 2 Asts, 6.82 AR) played a more defensive role. The midfield proved to be the deepest department on the squad, and it seems to have gotten further reinforcement with the introduction of Kaidyn Borrowdale (’23) – the 15-year-old has yet to make his debut but he can play anywhere across the midfield line and has been given 4.5/5 PA rating by the backroom staff. FORWARDS SC – TOM DAWSON (England: Capped U20) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) One of the three Kafra FC to join the England U20 squad for the U20 World Cup in Indonesia, he was also one of the country’s top players at the tournament. For his club, his importance was second to none, with his 26 Goals good enough for second best in the league. The Crawley-born striker has a unique skill-set but it obviously worked – he also contributed 8 Assists, 9 PoMs, 1.67 TW/90, 57% ST, and 7.21 AR as he was one of the two players to be named in the 2023 League Two Team of the Year along with Ojo. He has good finishing ability and his technical skills have shown good development, making him one of the most important players for the team going into their second season. SC (AML) – GANIYU OJO (England) – Age: 18 ('22 Youth Class) Like Dawson, Ojo has a unique skillset that made him unpredictable to guard. He finished the year as Kafra’s first ever Player of the Year, having played in 44 Games and registering 21 Goals, 13 Assists (Best in league), 8 PoMs, 2.00 TW/90, 1.35 D/90, and a team-best 7.35 AR. The English/Nigerian has good physical and athletic ability, and combined with his strength in the air, it made him the first wall the opposition would run into as they attempted to push into Kafra territory. He has earned Kafra’s most expensive contract of all-time, paying him £6.5K per week as he becomes more and more a regular for the England U19 team. Perhaps the most anticipated newcomer into the League One out of all the Kafra FC players going into next season. NOTABLES & HOT PROSPECTS Not were the starting two strikers perhaps the best in the League Two, but they arguably had the best backup behind them, as well. Northern Irish U21 international Christopher Guiller (43 Apps, 10 Gls, 2 Asts, 3 PoMs, 6.79 AR) was more than impressive when called upon and there was little doubt that he could have done the job as a starter. Outside of the top three, however, there is scarily little to pick from, which makes an injury perhaps Ezz’s biggest nightmare when it comes to his frontline.

YOUTH INTAKE 2023 Everyone's favorite time of season - Youth Intake Day! Kafra FC's first batch of players from the Youth Academy do not seem like a talented bunch, however. Kaidyn Borrowdale might be the exception, and despite the backroom staff not being too high on him, Christos Grozos seems like he could be capable of contributing despite his lax attitude. The rest of the youngsters are there to fill the numbers and give the reserve and youth team coaches something to do.

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