KPEKAWA SIGNS AS ITES BATTEN DOWN A NEW LOOK DEFENCE

Sheppey United have made a major signing by securing the services of experienced centre-back Cole Kpekawa. The left-footed defender, who will turn 30 shortly, joins "The Ites" with significant experience, including a brief spell in the Premier League.

Kpekawa's career began at the QPR Academy. After turning professional with “The Rs”, he gained experience through loan spells at Colchester United, where he made his professional debut against Coventry City, and then at League Two side Portsmouth. His QPR debut came on 24 May 2015, as an 85th-minute substitute in a Premier League match against Leicester City.

He earned international recognition, featuring for the England U20 squad. On 5 September 2015, he made his international debut, playing the full 90 minutes in a 5–0 victory over the Czech Republic. He was also part of the squad for the Mercedes-Benz Elite Cup in Germany, where he started in a 2–1 win against Turkey and appeared as a substitute in the 1–0 defeat by Germany, helping England finish as runners-up.

Following another loan stint at League Two side Leyton Orient, where he made nine appearances before being recalled by QPR, Kpekawa was signed by Championship club Barnsley on a three-year contract on 31 August 2016 for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £450,000.

Kpekawa later re-joined Colchester United permanently in July 2017 before moving to Scotland with St Mirren. In the non-league pyramid, his career included spells with Chelmsford City, Hemel Hempstead Town, Maidenhead United, and Bromley.

More recently, Kpekawa returned to National League North side Oxford City on a permanent deal in July 2024, following a previous loan spell. Prior to ending last season with Potters Bar Town, he had joined newly promoted National League North side Bedford Town in June 2025.

Manager Ian Batten said, “George and I are delighted to get this deal agreed early - it shows our intent to push on for a much better season.

"Cole has great experience, he's a leader and is no nonsense defender who the supporters will take too straight away."